Movies about That Day

We have been thinking recently about the events of September 11, 2001 (hereinafter "That Day") and Our reactions to them. We have turned to meditating on this topic after noticing that a number of movies based on the events of That Day will challenge Us. On A&E, Flight 93 was shown; later this month United 93 and World Trade Center will be released.

Slublog has some good comments here, quoting and linking to this post by Dave at Garfield Ridge.

As an aside: Slublog wrote: "Others, such as those who comment on the Internet Movie Databse, seem to think any depiction that shows bravery on that day is 'propaganda.'" We utterly and vociferously condemn anyone who accuses the film-makers of catering to propaganda. Such a notion is utterly ridiculous. The very facts of That Day are clear as day. All of this conspiracy-mongering is enraging. It is ridiculous, stupid, idiotic, and utter poppycock.

Now, to Our point. We feel quite conflicted. On the one hand, people are asking if it is still too soon. This is a good question. When will it be time to depict the events of That Day? Dave at garfield Ridge says that the time has come, and that those who cry "Too soon! Too soon!" are incorrect in hindering the production and showing of these films. To an extent We agree: after five years, it should be time to produce and show the events of That Day. On the other hand, We understand those who would be disturbed. For some inexplicable reason, We adamantly refuse to partake any production - audio, video, book, pictures, et cetera - on the events of That Day. We refuse because We know Our response. It is the same every time: tears, rage, hatred, anger, sorrow, disbelief, high blood pressure, frustration, astonishment, despair. Very little prompts such strong reactions in Us. Are We in denial most of the time, Our body reacting so extremely when confronted with evidence of what We do not want to believe? Are We suppressing on a daily basis Our true emotions of sorrow for the victims, hatred for the terrorists, and grief at such a violent violation of this nation?

We were listening to the radio as the second plane crashed into the World Trade Center. We saw live the second tower collapse on a television set in the break room where We were working that summer. We remember the panic as We worried about Our cousin who lived and worked in New York whom We could not reach by cellular phone (We thank God, he was perfectly fine - only jarred, as would be expected, by what happened; he was not on Manhattan Island).

We did not lose a loved one in those events. Nor do We know anyone who lost a loved one. Yet why do these events feel so personal to Us?

We simply throw Our hands in the air. We do not know the answers to Our questions. We shall read what those whom We respect and admire say about these films. We will then decide whether to challenge Ourself to watch them. We know that We will not be the only one to react with tearful cheers at the heroism of those incredibly brave men and women - may they forever rest in peace. The people of The United States must never forget the events of That Day.

inna naHnu-l-a'lam.