United 93

Lois and I went to see United 93 tonight. It definitely brings back the emotions of the day--possibly even more so because at the time there was so much confusion that no one could be sure what was happening. Now that I know what happened, and even though there's no real suspense, my stomach was tied in knots for almost two hours.
The confusion of the day, for almost everyone involved, comes through clearly. There is an implied--and often explicit--criticism of the government response to the day's events, particularly the FAA, the military and the President--as if they should have been immune to the confusion surrounding such an unprecedented attack. Don't get me wrong--this is no Michael Moore type slander. But I can't help but remember watching John Ford's "Battle of Midway", filmed in June 1942 during the darkest days of World War II. I was probably 11 years old in about 1960 when I saw it, and I still remember the pride I felt in our Marines as they defended that tiny island, even though they ultimately were overwhelmed.
A movie about United 93 might have been just as inspiring--if John Ford had made it. As it is, the movie is a grim, but useful, reminder of an awful day. I just wish it had been more than that.
--Cliff