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July 31, 2006
Review of film World Trade Center...
Just checked out the film World Trade Center last week, and I was impressed with the sensitivity to a topic that many people do not want to revisit on the big screen. However, World Trade Center is not about hatred, not about gratuitous blood and gore, not about conspiracy theories or politicizations. Rather, this film is about the resilience of humanity and love, the power of the mind, and the complexity of human failings and strengths. In short, this film is about two amazing men who put other people’s needs above their own. The true story of the heroic survival and rescue of two Port Authority policemen, John McLoughlin (played by Nicolas Cage) and Will Jimeno, (played by Michael Pena) is miraculous. These men went into the World Trade Center to help others, but ended up trapped 20 feet below ground zero, pinned down by humongous slabs of concrete, with shrapnel and flaming debris falling on them continuously. I was amazed at the depth of emotion Cage and Pena were able to convey when they were unable to move their bodies, and barely able to move their faces throughout the majority of the film.
A conversation with Cage, Bello and Stone …
I got the chance to interview Cage, director Oliver Stone, actress Maria Bello, as well as McLoughlin himself after the premiere at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in San Francisco. Cage has these intense, steely blue eyes, but was very animated and passionate about the film. He made me feel at ease immediately when he said I look like I could be a member of his Italian family. As for the film, he felt now is as good a time as any to release this film, and said “this film will help people heal and make sense of the tragedy in a cathartic way.” Bello, who also gave a heartfelt performance as Donna, John’s wife, felt this film was a testament to an amazing couple that deserved to have their stories heard. Bello looked luminous in person—she also had a contagious positive energy about her. She reiterated a story about almost giving up acting after getting fired by her agent-- she asked for a sign to keep going or else quit acting altogether. As she was walking she saw a gold shoe on the street, and she tried the shoe on and it fit. That was just the encouragement she needed to keep going and is now one of the most busy actresses in Hollywood, taking on complex substantive roles. I also had the honor of meeting the McLoughlins, and was struck by their humility. When I commended John for his bravery, he instead said the other police and firemen that assisted in the rescue missions were the ones to be commended. His wife Donna credited her strength from being a mother to four children. Oliver Stone was as intense as I imagined, with glimpses of warmth in his eyes. He agreed with Cage that now is the time to release this film, as it focuses less on the terrorist act itself and more on the story on two courageous people. Stone did what most successful filmmakers do, finding a fascinating story first before making the film. This film will pound you with its intensity and anxiety and make you want to reach out to all the people that you either value or take for granted. The pain I felt as I watched these men suffer was visceral, so many times I had to look away, but at the same time I knew there was a tinge of hope. As I watched the character development of these people and their families unfold, I had the relentless desire to leave the theater to go home and hug my family. And as I saw Donna and John sitting together in real life, my belief in miracles and love as a source of strength is reaffirmed. You will be able to see my interviews on View from the Bay.
Look out for this film in theaters August 9th.
Until next time...
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