Review of World Trade Center (2006) by Nate K — 18 Feb 2009

An impressive, straightforward telling of the rare uplifting side to America's most tragic homeland attack. Oliver Stone breaks character by making a film starring zero controversy alongside supporting lack of typical Stone avant-garde performance! Not taking anything away from the stylistic approach to Stone's films, but I am relieved knowing he skipped out on his usual methods to tell this story.

It is a film about how Americans have the ability to stand strong under the worst conditions. It is a film about Stone's own patriotism and what he loves about the country he served and the people who live in it.

It balances his view of Americans, showing us the other end of the spectrum from the greed of capitalists like Gordon Gekko depicted in 'Wall Street.' At the core, 'World Trade Center' is a one setting film.

Even more challenging, it's a one position film; for the most part, Sgt. John McLoughlin and officer Will Jimeno are stuck beneath the rubble of the fallen Twin Towers. They only hear each other's voices, and they manage to survive through the near-death conversation that has them reflecting on aspects of their lives.

I can see so many filmmakers butchering this story by zeroing in on lengthy dialogue. But Stone, as usual, gives us a visual experience by cutting between multiple events leading up to the search and rescue of these men.

Throw a challenge at Stone and he will prevail... here is the living proof.