Express History

I've watched DC 9/11: Time of Crisis, one of the most talked about American TV films in recent memory. I looked forward to something extraordinary and I wasn't disappointed in the end. The movie was one of the most surreal viewing experiences I had. Watching Bush, Cheney, Wolfowitz, Rumsfeld, Powell, Rice, Blair – all those people who I can see on CNN every day – being played by professional actors was weird. Some of the characters, including George W. Bush, were more convincing than their real life equivalents. Current US President obviously had more luck with Timothy Bottoms than Tito had with Richard Burton.

Another fascinating thing about this film is the way in which it compressed lifetime of important historical events into coherent two hours. American TV films usually don't succeed in doing that. This film would probably serve as a very useful learning tool for history students in the future.

Of course, some would complain about George W. Bush receiving hagiographic treatment (which is hardly surprising, considering the film being made by Bush supporters and being backed by White House) and not being completely honest or fair. I didn't get that impression. The authors simply picked the historical event and situations that would present Bush in the best possible light.

In doing so they weren't very different from Ted Turner and the way he had picked only the most glorious victories of Southern arms in Gods and Generals.