REVIEW: “September 5” (2024)

As a seasoned movie critic who has witnessed the evolution of television news from black-and-white sets to high-definition screens, I must say that “September 5” is a gripping masterpiece that transports viewers back to the tumultuous days of 1972 Munich Olympics. The film’s immersive recreation of the ABC studio and its tense atmosphere reminded me of my own college days when I used to huddle around a tiny black-and-white television, trying to decipher the news in a world that was just starting to colorize.

At just a little over one year old, I found myself witnessing the commencement of the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics. These Games were being hosted in Germany for the first time post-Nazi rule. However, the tragic occurrences that followed cast a dark shadow over the sporting events. On the morning of September 5th, a group of eight armed individuals from the Palestinian militant group called Black September infiltrated the Olympic Village and kidnapped eleven Israeli athletes and staff members.

On September 5″ depicts live broadcasting by ABC Sports of the unexpected incident and ensuing 18-hour standoff, skillfully directed by Tim Fehlbaum into a suspenseful and swift narrative. The production maintains sensitivity towards the victims while critically examining certain decisions leading to the tragic event’s end. At its heart, “September 5” is a tense newsroom drama that meticulously re-enacts the atmosphere within the ABC Studio in Munich during this extraordinary crisis.

As a devoted cinephile, I must say that Fehlbaum skillfully assembles a formidable and finely-tuned ensemble who seem to grasp their roles intuitively. The threesome of screenwriters, consisting of Fehlbaum, Moritz Binder, and Alex David, craft a script that masterfully dissects the intense professional pressures and the deep emotional impact that the broadcast team experienced during a pivotal moment in television history that indelibly reshaped news reporting. In doing so, they’ve undeniably contributed to one of the most gripping, suspenseful films of the year.

REVIEW: “September 5” (2024)

The actions and interplay among the group are essential cogs consistently spinning to drive the compelling narrative forward. Most events unfold live, with a significant portion taking place on that specific date. Remarkably close to Munich’s Olympic Village, ABC has established a studio, which for the first time ever, is transmitting a global sporting event in real-time. At the helm of this operation is Roone Arledge, president of ABC Sports (portrayed by Peter Sarsgaard), who oversees the production and steps in whenever necessary to guide his team of producers.

One of the producers in question is freshman Geoff Mason (John Magaro), who’s gearing up for his debut live television broadcast with the company. The team, a mix of veterans and rookies, includes Marvin Bader (Ben Chaplin), the experienced and careful head of operations, Jacques Lesgards (Zinedine Soualem), the chief technician, and Marianne Gebhardt (Leonie Benesch), their German interpreter. The morning begins normally enough. However, everything changes when gunfire from the Olympic Village echoes through the air.

Right away, reports flood in and the team dives into analyzing them to uncover the facts. They pinpoint the origin of gunfire to the Israeli sector and verify that terrorists have taken hostages – athletes and coaches – in two apartments. The decision is then made to broadcast this developing news globally, delivering live updates alongside camera footage of the apartments and the ensuing confusion. In an instant, Geoff finds himself dealing with matters beyond just volleyball and boxing.

REVIEW: “September 5” (2024)

In my perspective, embarking on this journey presents a palpable tension, given the uncharted waters we’re venturing into. However, the strain escalates significantly when we encounter resistance from ABC’s news division, desiring to seize control of our narrative. The complications multiply as we grapple with ethical dilemmas and responsibilities in these uncharted territories. But the tension reaches its peak when we come to understand that our efforts to keep the public informed could potentially jeopardize the hostages’ safety.

Beyond meticulously replicating the studio in its 1972 form, Fehlbaum stylistically portrays his film as if it was shot on high-contrast 16mm film. He also includes a vast amount of archived audio and video featuring iconic sportscaster Jim McKay and newsman Peter Jennings, along with other relevant footage from ABC Sports. These elements contribute significantly to the immersive experience.

Although the bustling atmosphere of the studio is captivating, Fehlbaum keeps a personal touch in his narrative by depicting how the escalating incidents affect his characters deeply. Despite the fast-paced nature of events leaving little room for contemplation, Fehlbaum skillfully conveys the characters’ struggles. It’s these subtle yet significant human moments that transform “September 5” from a cold, procedural story into an intense exploration of journalism’s pursuit of truth. This tale delves deep into the lives of the gifted but flawed individuals at its core.

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2024-12-11 18:56