The films focusing on the events of 9/11 aren’t just documentaries anymore.
Numerous dramatized feature films are surfacing, showing the events, struggles and efforts of victims and heroes.
Paul Greengrass’ “United 93,” was released April 28 after a number of protests across the country and particularly in New York, claiming the release was “too soon.” However, the media responded to the film, which portrayed the people aboard United Airlines Flight 93 who fought back before the plane went down in a Pennsylvania field, with phenomenal reviews.
Director Greengrass went to great lengths to assure the film did not offend Americans who lived the experience, lost friends and family and witnessed the horrific events through extensive media coverage from coast to coast.
A more recent film, “World Trade Center,” was released on Aug. 9. The film, directed by Oliver Stone, is based on the true story of two Port Authority police officers who were among the first rescue efforts at the World Trade Center and the last to be rescued from the collapsing buildings.
Controversy rose from this film as family members said they felt disrespected by the production of the film and lack of conversation with producers.
Since its opening weekend in theaters, “United 93” has grossed almost $60 million worldwide. Of the revenue from the opening weekend of about $10 million, Universal Pictures donated ten percent to the creation of a memorial for the victims of the flight. “World Trade Center” grossed a little under $20 million in its opening weekend and has made more than $60 million since. From the proceeds of “World Trade Center,” $1.3 million dollars has been donated.
The question must be when looking at these two films whether it was justified to release these films less than five years after the attacks.