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For all of the movie’s attempts at objectivity, it can’t help but add a nationalistic pro war on terror undertone. It seems very calculated that the movie chose the only non American passenger to portray in a negative light. Greengrass has stated his intentions to make this movie a metaphor for the world's response to terrorism: do nothing and appease the terrorists, or attack them preemptively? And in that light his portrayal of Adams is even more chilling. Does Adams represent the “cowardly” European nations that refused to march into Iraq?

It might not have been as big of a deal if Greengrass had included a made up character to express this idea. But the fact is Adams is a real person, with a real family and loved ones that he left behind. Is their grieving not important enough to respect? I also found it kind of odd that the movie portrays the passengers violently killing two of the hijackers. The cause of death of the hijackers was listed as suicide. The choice to include the sight of one of the terrorists getting his neck snapped and being beaten to a bloody pulp seemed unnecessary. Was it intended to satisfy a primal need for revenge?

Verdict

United 93 is an extremely powerful and moving film that pays great respect to most of the passengers. It is extremely insightful and powerfully directed. And because of the way it’s shot - documentary style and in real time after take off - the movie is that much more poignant and powerful. Even after almost 11 years it is a hard movie to watch.

But the way it portrays Adams is just wrong, irresponsible and even disrespectful. The fact that it is shot in a documentary style just makes its fabrications all the more powerful and confusing. Former “60 Minutes II” producer, Michael Bronner, who did some of the research for the movie, explained in an interview to efilmcritic.com that he told Greengrass that historically-based movies can be “problematic.” But he stated that Greengrass’ response was, “our goal is just to tell what happened, to show what happened and not sentimentalize, not take any kind of liberties beyond that.”

Some of his concessions to drama - particularly the movie’s portrayal of Adams - seem to contradict that statement. And I found out that the original cut of the film ended with a caption that read, “America's war on terror had begun.” This seems to further support that argument that the movie - contrary to Greengrass’s statements - did have an agenda. Some reviewers argued that within the context, this could push the movie into propaganda territory. In the end, this caption was removed and the final cut ends on a caption that reads, “Dedicated to the memory of all of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.”

But in spite of its flaws, United 93 is a bold and moving film. It pays respect to most of the passengers, shines a light on the terrible events that happened, and reminds us that in the face of tragedy and fear, people can still rise up and be heroes. It is definitely worth seeing as long as you take Adams’ portrayal with a grain of salt.

Next Time: Hunger

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