United 93 Review – Unorthodox Award

Paul Greengrass’ raucous portrayal of film United 93 demonstrates and explores the unexpected tragedy of the 9/11 only 5 years ago, through the impotence of the characters, pace and overall cinematography. Greengrass’ use of characterisation conveyed the clear sense of powerlessness over the tragedy, illustrating the enmity between eastern and western beliefs and cultures revealing a dominant divide between cultures and religion which may not have been considered previously by some viewers. Meanwhile, the use of little to no known bought the film home as it enforced the realness of the events that took place in the movie and made the audience look into not only the true meaning of the film but look deeply at themselves, giving them a reality check about the society we live in today; not just the dilly dallying of the ‘to see’ actors of that month. However, although many may applaud Greengrass’ portrayal of the characters, (many of whom were based on people who were really effected in the 9/11), the film has also been ‘criticized for its portrayal of German passenger Christian Adams,’ who was the only passenger the plane ‘demonstrated with counselling appeasement.’ All in all, we must ask ourselves, did we go to watch it to get a good laugh out of it or get an insight into our increasingly cracking society? Likewise, the cinematography in all aspects can be applauded by the audience as Greengrass’ sheer impudence demonstrated through production and filming which explored what was hushed upon by society, since the crashing down of the twin towers. This is evident, as the consistent shaking and poor standard of professionality when filming connotes how it had similarly shaken people’s lives bringing back the same raw feelings which had first risen around the world on 11th September 2001. Furthermore, the