Mudita Journal

United 93 – Another Favorable Review

April 26, 2006 · Filed under: Reviews
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Roger Friedman at FoxNews provides this interesting background about the role of FAA National Operations Manager Ben Sliney:

Peter Greengrass has made an extraordinary document for [relatives of passengers on United 93] of what their relatives must have gone through in their final hour of life.

“United 93” is beautifully crafted, thoughtful and precise. There is nothing wrong with it. In fact, it has the polish of perfection, hitting every note, dotting every “i,” crossing every “t.” You have to admire the stamina of everyone involved that they were able to pull off such a feat.

We know the story, so we don’t have to go into the details of that. Anyway, “United 93″ depends, like all films, on making a connection with the actors.

And here’s where there is a significant surprise, because other than a small handful of professionals, the movie belongs to a total acolyte and newcomer.

Ben Sliney, national operations manager for the FAA at Kennedy Airport, was in the control tower when the tragedies of Sept. 11 unfolded. He later testified before the 9/11 Commission.

A professional actor was hired to play him in the movie, but after Sliney arrived on set, he took over the job of playing himself. It’s one of those strange Hollywood stories, but Ben Sliney turns out to be the star of “United 93.”

If he wanted one, he could have an acting career, perhaps. Alas, he doesn’t seek the fame. But Sliney becomes the moral and sympathetic center of the story as chaos unfolds quickly. You keep hoping while he’s on screen that all the people in the FAA are like him.

Another article somewhere pointed out that 9/11 had been Ben Sliney’s first day in his new post as national operations manager. (What a way to start.)

The movie will be released this Friday. Check out the trailer for a preview.

(I’ve written previously about United 93 here and here.)

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