The Cinematic Response to 9/11

The tragedy of September 11, 2001, reshaped so many facets of our world, and film and media are no exception. The immense impact of the attacks introduced new genres and themes in film and media. This blog explores how 9/11 influences American cinema, the emergence of new cinematic themes and genres, and why movies based on tragedy are so popular. We’ll also dive into some movies based on 9/11, such as The Rest of Us, directed by Dr. Linda G. Mills. 

Immediately after the attacks, the media avoided showing destruction, shifting away from the disaster-laden blockbusters of the 1990s. Some films and TV shows, such as Sex and the City, even removed images of the Twin Towers from the opening credits of shows and scenes in movies. Most famously, the teaser trailer and poster for Spider-Man were edited so that the Twin Towers could no longer be seen in the background.

In the Vox Article Movies, Patriotism and Cultural Amnesia, Lindsay Ellis states, “The two-year period immediately following 9/11 was an era in which the media was defined both by its jingoism and patriotism and also by its aversion to images of violence and destruction.” Over time, the fear and trauma of 9/11 began to re-emerge in films, with depictions of mass destruction slowly creeping back into mainstream cinema.

After a while, post-9/11 cinema emerged, focusing on terrorism, national security, and the personal and societal impacts of the attacks. This genre includes a range of films, from intense dramas to politically charged thrillers. The themes of trauma, grief, and resilience became common.

But why do we make films based on tragedy? Films are a powerful medium for understanding and processing complex, traumatic events. By dramatizing or documenting real-life tragedies, movies help audiences grapple with the emotions and implications of such events. They also act as cultural records, preserving the memory of significant events for future generations and honoring those affected.

One prominent example of this shift is United 93 (2006), directed by Paul Greengrass. This film dramatizes the events aboard United Airlines Flight 93, which was hijacked on 9/11. In the film, passengers try to regain control of the plane from the terrorists. Similarly, Oliver Stone’s World Trade Center (2006) focuses on the harrowing experiences of two Port Authority officers trapped in the rubble, emphasizing first responders' personal sacrifices and resilience.

Other popular and successful movies based on 9/11 include Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (2011), based on Jonathan Safran Foer's novel, which highlights the aftermath of 9/11 through the story of a young boy who tries to uncover the mystery of his deceased father. Kathryn Bigelow’s Zero Dark Thirty (2012) chronicles the decade-long hunt for Osama bin Laden, culminating in the Navy SEAL operation that killed him. These films reflect a broader trend of using tragedy as a lens to explore the complex themes that emerged from the tragedy and provide a place to cope with and process 9/11 collectively. 

This week, we invite you to watch The Rest of Us, directed by Dr. Linda G. Mills. Dr. Mills is an accomplished artist, author, scholar, and the 17th president of New York University. Set in the fall of 2001, at Blair University’s campus in the aftermath of 9/11, The Rest of Us explores the mental health crisis faced by a group of college students as they confront the reality of suicide and its effects on their campus. They are forced to navigate their place in a post-9/11 world. The film shows how personal and societal traumas intersect. 

In conclusion, the cinematic response to 9/11 reflects a broader trend where film and media serve as a medium for collective reflection, healing, and catharsis following traumatic global events. As we continue to engage with these themes, we honor the experiences of those affected and deepen our understanding of the world around us.

Looking for even more ways to watch and enjoy excellent movies & TV series?!? Head on over to YouTube and subscribe to Grapevine Documentaries, Multicom Entertainment, and TheArchive.These channels are dedicated to aficionados and lovers of cinema. You’ll find rare, retro, and restored films and TV, ranging from indies and series to Oscar-winning docs, unearthed MOWs, a killer horror library, and MORE!  

TheArchive channel is dedicated to aficionados and lovers of story, craft, and silver screen fun – streaming rare, retro, and restored films and classic TV. From indies and series, to Oscar winning documentaries, unearthed MOWs, and a killer horror library, TheArchive delivers forgotten, never-before-seen gems for free and many in 4K. Marilyn, Karloff, and Orson Welles stream alongside Reese, Keanu, and Samuel L. Jackson. Find true stories of Queen, Hendrix, and Sinatra, an LGBTQ library, MLK bios, and world history docs. TheArchive has the movies and shows you either saw, should’ve seen, or should be watching now!