"September 5" is that good. Indeed, I went to see it last weekend as a means to ditch all the depressing news about the Los Angeles wild fires. Think about that. I needed a movie about the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre to be a diversion.
This film is a totally fascinating look at the ABC Sports control room on that fateful 1972 day when they had to report on the terrorist act that took over those Olympics. As a matter of fact, I would say 90 percent of the movie takes place in that control room, which is being run by a young producer named Geoff Mason. He has to navigate through philosophical arguments on what to show and not show. Several real-life folks are depicted, such as Roone Arledge and Peter Jennings. Most of the people there that day have passed on. But Mason is still around and this amps up the authenticity of the film.
The ABC anchor that day, Jim McKay, is shown so frequently and serves as a vital character. He is not depicted by an actor, but his presence makes us feel that he is still alive and with us...a remarkable feat by director and co-writer Tim Fehlbaum. And this movie, at a tight 90 minute running length, is as efficient as a story can be. There is not a wasted word or frame.
I see that "September 5" was originally released in December, which means it might be eligible for Oscar consideration. We should be so lucky. Still, it probably will be my Best Picture pick for this year or next.
LEN'S RATING: Four stars.
Dinner last night: Hot dogs.
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