Americans please. What are your thoughts on the Oliver Stone film of 9/11?

Question

I'd like Americans views of his new film, particulaly New Yorkers.
Is it too soon to make such a film considering the number of victims families?
Should he have consulted more of the victims families first?
Is it right that Hollywood should profit from this?
Would you feel differently if it were a different director?
How would you feel if it was a foreign made film?
Should the profits go to a victims fund?

I'm British by the way, I'm interested in American's opinions of this.

I'm sorry if non Americans feel excluded but I'm looking for the views of those closer to the situation

Answer 1

Not wild about Oliver Stone. Cannot stomach Nicholas Cage.

That said, here's what I think:

I don't think it's too soon. We've already had 'Flight 93', in theaters and something about the flight on television, as well. 9/11 has become part of the American story, part of who we are and how we identify ourselves. What happened that day is burned into the memory of every single person in this country. And if today is too soon, then when? Next year, 5, 10 years? For some people, never is too soon, but for the rest of us, I think the timing is ok.

Should Mr. Stone have consulted the families? I'm not so sure it's necessary. The story has become 'public property'. It's shared by all of us, so is there a need to contact the people directly involved? I don't think so. And he most likely worked at least some with the family of Nic Cage's character, since I think they'd need legal releases & that sort of thing. Is he cashing in on tragedy? Yeah, maybe. But is it a story that should be told? Of course. So if not him (and I understand he did a good job), then it would be someone else eventually.

It is a reasonable thing to hope that some of the profits from the film would benefit a victims' fund, or a charity of the victims' families choosing. It seems the right thing to do.

My brother-in-law was there that day. He worked in one of the towers. As fate would have it, he was in the elevator getting coffee when the first plane hit. He was able to get out & caught one of the very last trains out of the city and made it home safely. We were very fortunate that day, when so many other families weren't.

It was a scary, scary day, one that none of us here will ever forget.

Answer 2

haven't seen it and most likely won't. ollie stone has a habit of twisting things around until there's no truth left. its been 5 years now so no its not too soon. a different director might make a difference, if he consulted the families he might have to do things another way which might interfere with his slant. i have no trouble with a film being made of 9/11. hollywood has always made films about disasters and wars. there's been a bunch of pearl harbor flicks and the 2 are very much alike. personally i think the victims have done alright compared to other victims of terrorist actions or wars. i knew a few people killed there [ emergency responders] and it bothers me that some idiots refuse to accept it as an outright attack on us. it was not a crime or a protest and we did not provoke it by being americans. we were attacked and we should give the islamo nazies that same thing we gave hitler and tojo. wake up we are at war.

Answer 3

Umm I honestly don't see a big deal at all, its life and its something that has happened and thats usually what movies are baised on. You shouldn't hide from the truth, its just a damn movie. I hate when people make such a big deal of nothing. Maybe some of the profits will go to the families? And its been 5 years!! It was horrible but they make movies about everything like that! All the world wars. what is the big deal really???? If you don't like it dont go see it!! you have a choice its america. i wont go see just cause it doesnt interest me.

Answer 4

As an American, I am really saddened by this movie. I do not know what % of the profits will go to the families... The only way I think this movie is okay is if a majority of the profits go to the families. Which I do not see happening. I do not think it is right for Hollywood do profit from this at all.


I will not be seeing it.

Answer 5

I'm an American, a New Yorker and the cousin of a fire fighter that lost his life in the World Trade Center on September 11th.

I can't possibly consider seeing this movie yet. My wounds are still too raw and the last thing I want is to be reminded of one of the most tragic days of my life. No one in my family was ever contacted or asked to view this movie (not that anyone would have). In my view; this was simply movie makers doing what they do best... make money.

Answer 6

i agree with Stacy......

5 years is long enough....and yes the americans are going on with their lives as if it never happened...so the film will remind them..not in a bad way..but in a way to be thankful for very day you live.

See, when it happened it seemed like every American had a flag on there vehicle...now look at it now.....hardly ever see it now..
Americans should keep the flag on their vehicle regardless of what happens..we need it to show how proud of who we are as an American.

We don't need an disaster..for americans to show our pride in our country.

But maybe people we begin to use flasg again since the movie is out..who knows.
but the movie is out...not even soon at all..but people would think differently considering the fact if they had a family member involved.

We need a movie to get people REMEMBERING (keyword) THE FACT OF LIFE AND THE CHANCES OF HOW YOU COULD LOSE A LIFE IN A MATTER OF SECS.

LIFE IS TOO FRAGILE TO BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED.

Answer 7

I don't plan to see it because 1) the memories are painful and 2) Although the film might someday be seen as a commemoration of the victims of that event for now it looks too much to me like commercial exploitation. If everybody involved wants to donate their fees to the victims' families, that would be a good idea.

Answer 8

I think it's good to make a movie like this. I think every American should see it so they will stop whining like spoiled bratty children about gas prices and the war we are fighting to prevent another 9/11. Americans as a people are quick to forget and very ignorant about our brief history of 230 years. I wouldn't have cast Cage though, the man has no talent.

Answer 9

My American opinion is, WHAT CRAP!
Yes September 11th was vile and tragic. That is exactly why the days events and aftermath should not be glorified with a Hollywood version.
Also, ten percent (10 %) of proceeds from the first five (5) days of showing is NOTHING and only adds to the distastefulness of it.
I am boycotting it.

ps. Dear Oliver,
Maan, what happened to you?

Answer 10

Honestly, I don't care. Haven't seen it. If anyone really wants to experience the whole 9/11 thing, they should go to the site. It's really an experience, the site seems to radiate the loss of all those people. When I was with my friends (native new yorkers), upon passing, they all grew silent and reverent. I don't think it's to early to have movies centered around that event.