9/11: The Falling Man (2006)
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A documentary film exploring the identity and legacy of the man captured in a haunting photograph during the September 11 attacks.
The story
The film explores the haunting image of a man falling from the World Trade Center during the September 11 attacks. Based loosely on an Esquire magazine story by Tom Junod, the documentary delves into the mystery of the man's identity, who was initially thought to be a pastry chef but was later identified as Jonathan Briley. The film examines the controversy surrounding the photograph's publication and its transformation into a symbol of the tragedy.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
The documentary explores the 2001 photograph taken by Richard Drew of a man falling from the North Tower of the World Trade Center. The film follows the investigative trail of the man's identity, starting with a report in Esquire magazine by Tom Junod. It details the initial confusion regarding the man's identity, who was first thought to be Norberto Hernandez, before evidence led to the identification of the man as Jonathan Briley, a sound engineer. The film incorporates material from photographer Lyle Owerko and examines the public's reaction to the image, which was initially criticized as 'ghoulish' but later gained acclaim as a powerful symbol of the victims of the 9/11 attacks.
- First release year
- 2006
- Directors
- Henry Singer
- Genres
- documentary
- Themes
- Identity; Memory; Tragedy
- Tone and mood
- Somber; Reflective
- Premise and plot tags
- True Story; Documentary; 9/11
- Reception
- The photograph was initially criticized as 'ghoulish' and 'sadistic' but later gained acclaim, with some calling it 'the most beautiful image of something so tragic.'
- Production trivia
- The film was broadcast in more than 30 countries.; The film was premiered in North America on Canada's CBC Newsworld.; The film was shot by Richard Numeroff.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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