WTC View

I saw this movie at ImageOut, the Rochester Lesbian and Gay Film and Video Festival. Although a shallow, good-natured film called "Summer Storm" won the audience award at the end of the week, most of my friends--people who like more complexity and substance in their films--thought this film was the best of the fest. Focusing on a 30ish gay male photographer whose apartment looked upon the World Trade Center and who is now coping with the trauma he suffered on 9/11, this drama with comedy is one of the most warm and deeply felt human dramas I've seen all year. You really learn to care about the photographer, named Eric, and his all-too-human response to overwhelming historical events. The humor comes organically out of the material without seeming inappropriate or ghoulish, and the film really shows us what it's like, in a compelling way, to live in historically significant times. Were this film to have starred bigger stars--say Jake Gyllenhaal as Eric and Claire Danes as his gal-pal friend--it would be talked about as an Oscar contender today. As it is, this little gem of an indie needs searching out. Many of the actors in this film, particularly Michael Urie and Nick Potenzieri, will be stars one day. See them here first, and remember I told you so.

Clearly adapted from a stage play, this low budget film avoids the crass sentiment of the big productions. It is now appearing on cable TV for a wide audience and will almost certainly gain wider attention.

The sound and feel of its location are exactly right, without ever focusing in on the eponymous site itself. Clever use of micro scenes accent the mood of the main character, whose internal anxiety is the true center of attention. And the acting of most of the walk-through characters adding dimension to that character's development shows that a good script and good direction can overcome lack of big-time experience.

What a great relief from the morbid sentimentality of most 9/11 stories! A real stunner. Must see.

This is SO worth seeing. I was hesitant, thinking it would be a big gloom-fest. But instead, I found myself very moved by a beautifully acted, written and photographed film. It really needs to be seen.

I was surprised to find out that the star, Michael Urie, is the bitchy gay assistant on Ugly Betty. He is such a versatile actor, that it's hard to believe it's the same person. I love the way the director chose to keep some of the staginess from the play. Usually this is not a good thing, but this film uses it to good effect, increasing the intimacy and immediacy of the story and performances.

Congratulations to the talented cast and everyone else involved!

I stumbled upon this movie somewhat randomly, as someone with a similar experience living in New York City and searching for roommates after 9/11, and had no idea anyone had ever made a film on this topic, and did enjoy and find commonality in a few brief moments and scenes. While I am straight, I went through much of the same emotional turmoil as the main character in my desperate search to find a roommate and continue my New York City life in the days and months following Sep 11. I ended up having to leave my apt, and began the first serious romantic relationship of my life in October 2001, an intensely passionate and largely dysfunctional relationship which ended horribly, yet nonetheless I will always love her dearly. In truth, we were both still grieving and dealing with these events in our own ways when we met, only weeks after these events, and if not for 9/11, we never would have met.

I still feel a lot of guilt over my anguish over the years and how Sep 11 affected me personally, because in comparison I was so fortunate compared to so many others who lost their lives, friends, loved ones, or suffered permanent health issues. But the emotional toll it took on all of those who lived through it directly, even those of us seemingly spared from direct loss, should not be overlooked. I am glad someone made a film about this. I only wish they had found better actors!

Unfortunately, the acting and directing are so bad that it's mostly hard to watch, as it takes away from the impact of the script (which isn't that bad and has some strong, cathartic moments). All the body language and interactions between the gay lead and his potential "roommates," were just "off", as if he had no idea how to relate to other straight or female actors. Even the way he interacted with his female best friend felt phony and forced. The only time the main actor seemed comfortable at all was during the gay scenes (nothing pornographic but definitely might be uncomfortable to some viewers), which I think says more about him as a bad actor than any statement about the film or events.

I was a freshman in high school, sitting in the front row in Spanish class on 9/11. Even though it has been five plus years since that day, the emotions I went through in 2001 are still there. As they were watching this movie. One day I was channel surfing and stopped at LOGO and saw it was a movie starring Mr. Urie from my favorite new show UGLY BETTY. All I knew about Urie was the flamboyant Marc who couldn't be more "fluffy" as was stated in a recent episode. So I was really surprised at his performance as a gay man a few blocks away from ground zero. During the movie, Marc from UGLY BETTY disappeared and Urie the actor shown through like a star in darkness. When I watched his performance I found myself recalling that day and the days that followed.

If you haven't seen this movie, rent it. Watch it. Yes it is sad and it evokes emotion we all felt that month in 2001. But also like that year, the movie leaves with a message of hope even in the face of terror and pain. The subsequent times I viewed the movie I wasn't the person I am now, I went back to September 2001 and I do cry remembering the fear I had not knowing what would happen. I remember feeling what Urie's character was feeling, though I was 6 hours away. But my heart is still lit up inside by the end remembering the hope that was there.

If you are a fan of UGLY BETTY, you will see Marc in a whole new light. For me, watching this movie, I gained a whole new respect for Urie as an actor than I had watching him in UGLY BETTY.