Coming Soon to a Theater Near You: Education

I'm sure many of you are aware of the upcoming movie, "United 93." The movie is about the passengers and events that took place on that flight on September 11, 2001. It's created a lot of conversation. One of my favorite writers, Andrew Sullivan, discussed it today on his blog:

I will not see this movie, whatever its merits. The trauma is still too close. That day is still etched in me, as in all of us. It was a specific, unique trauma for those heroes on the plane; but it was also an emotional devastation for anyone who loves this country. Do we want to revisit their and our own traumas as entertainment?

I took issue with his characterization of the film as "entertainment."

You write: "Do we want to revisit their and our own traumas as entertainment?" Clearly, no. But I suspect this movie is not about entertainment. It's about education. I suppose some could say that Schindler's List is entertainment, but it's not. Schindler's List is a story of heroism and that one man can make a difference in the lives of thousands of others. That is a story that needs to be told again and again, not because it is entertaining, but because it is important that people know that true heroes are still out there. That heroic acts are still possible.

I suspect United 93 is that kind of story.

I doubt I will see the movie. But I would venture that, if done correctly, it could be one of the most important films in years. It could stand as a testament to heroism and the futility of terrorism so long as heroes are among us.

I'm not sure I can bring myself to see this movie. Like Sullivan says, the events are still to close. Also, I'm afraid I'll go see the film and end up liking the people I see on the screen. Knowing that they all die is not something I think I can bring myself to want to see.

I saw Schindler's List because I didn't know the story and I wanted to learn it. I saw it once in the theater and once when it was broadcast on network TV. I can't see ever watching it again as it's simply too emotional of a story for me to choose to want to see.

United 93 is the same.

What I do know is that I am glad the movie is being made and I hope it will not only be a fine testament to the people who sacrificed that day to save innocent live, but I hope it will be wildly successful.

Perhaps I will find the courage to go see it.