Went and saw "United 93" last night. The movie is literally gut-wrenching. When I walked out at the end, the theater (largest in the multiplex) was silent except for sobbing - at least half a dozen people. My eyes weren't dry either.
I think the movie was so effective because it was simple. None of the characters were really introduced, not even by name. Also, the director / screenwriter kept the focus on "real people." The most senior person shown (playing himself, which I didn't know at the time) was the director of the FAA command center. That and a pair of Air Force Colonels (one played by a very overweight actor) were the "voices of authority."
Everybody else were just folk, scared and confused.
I think the movie was so effective because it was simple. None of the characters were really introduced, not even by name. Also, the director / screenwriter kept the focus on "real people." The most senior person shown (playing himself, which I didn't know at the time) was the director of the FAA command center. That and a pair of Air Force Colonels (one played by a very overweight actor) were the "voices of authority."
Everybody else were just folk, scared and confused.