Search - WTC View on DVD

Raw emotion constantly bubbling under the surface

Thomas Janowski | Rochester, NY United States | 08/19/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A room with a view. A fragile young man trying to coap with the greatest, most shocking tragedy of my time. An endless parade of phone calls and people at the door....



Eric needed a roommate before 9/11. But after 9/11 he really needs a roommate, a friend or anyone who can make him feel safe and secure.



Out Eric's room with a view, the view was that of the World Trade Center. Everyone who comes to view the apartment takes a look out the window. That view is never shown. Instead we are looking in at the faces looking out and we see what they are feeling.



Eric finds that everyone is so noncommital about renting the room. Does everyone know think life is so temporary that an apartment might be unnecessary? Are possible tennants really moving out of the city? Why does Eric keep raising the rent when he speaks with potential roommates? Does he actually want a roommate or is he actually operating on another agenda.



We know from his conversations with his friend and potential roommates that he broke up with his boyfriend recently because the boyfriend wanted them to move in together. Eric says that was crazy...it was too soon...he wasn't ready for that. All the while interviewing possible roommates, Eric may have been realizing that there are ample reasons for him to have moved in with his boyfriend---most notably life is short and unpredictable.



This film is noteworthy for the way it feels---it's a Broadway show on film and it really feels like a theater production. It is raw and very emotional."

Emotionally powerful unique perspective on aftermath of 9/11

Bob Lind | Phoenix, AZ United States | 08/14/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Eric's roommate gave him notice that he would be moving out of his SoHo (south Manhattan) apartment, so Eric put an ad in the Village Voice for a new roommate. The date was September 10, 2001.



Over the next several weeks, Eric's phone rang constantly with people interested in the apartment, which they are stunned to learn has a "WTC View" (2005), about 12 blocks from "Ground Zero." Much has been written and portrayed about the apparent tough, grim determination of the residents of New York City in the weeks following 9/11. What this film shows, quite effectively through the characters in this film (including a diverse stream of potential roommates) is the raw emotion they each dealt with in some manner, dealing with lives that had changed dramatically by the events of that fateful day. As his visitors talk about their experiences, Eric tries to relate to their feelings, as he deals with his own repressed shock from witnessing the devastation, manifested in panic every time the lights flicker or he hears a siren in the night, and faces a personal loss he didn't realize would affect him. His best friend, Josie, suffers marital problems, with the uncertainty following the attacks clouding their plans to have a child. Eric also connects with one potential roommate who was in one of the towers on that day, but who ends up holding Eric throughout the night as the thoughts of the attack trigger one of his frequent panic attacks.



"WTC View" was written/directed/produced by gay novelist Brian Sloane, who first produced it for a New York City stage festival, using the same actors who appear in the film. The story is loosely based on true events, as he actually had advertised his downtown Manhattan apartment to share the day before the attacks.



In my opinion, the film is an understated yet emotionally powerful masterpiece, with remarkable performances from its cast of young actors. Although it takes place solely in Eric's apartment, it incorporates photos of the post-9/11 New York City in its segues between scenes, but wisely avoids any scenes of the attacks or Ground Zero. If you are going to see one "WTC" film this year, make it this one. Five bold stars out of five.

"

This is a MUST see, skillfully made with REAL heart

Robert Nunez | WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA USA | 01/18/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

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

Each cast member was a joy to watch. (You may recognize the film's star from Ugly Betty, or you may not because he is so different in this film.) The dialogue was better than realistic, retaining the immediacy and energy from it's stage roots. The photography and colors were poetic. Rarely does such a human story get so well made. After seeing the DVD last Saturday, I e-mailed all my friends about it.

This is more than entertaining. When I see a film like this, I remember why I love movies so much. It is a real contribution to our culture."

VERY EFFECTIVE

barry | Boston, MA United States | 10/30/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I must admit that processing emotions over the whole 9/11 incident and its aftermath has been a difficult process for me. This movie certainly helped me release some pent up and confused emotions.



Overall, I found this subtle film captivating with raw emotion and excellent acting. So much is dealt with when such a topic is approached and the chosen plot line of seeking a roommate for a premise was genius.



This must have been an overpowering experience in play form and the only reason I gave it 4 and not 5 stars is because it 90% succeeds as a transfer to film.



There are very few characters and the viewer must be prepared to think and absorb all the intensense emotions while viewing. As I stated, I found all the acting to be superior except for the female friend. She was the only one who made it appear as if she was still on a stage and taking cues from the director. I found her performance flat and so different from all the others.



Otherwise an exceptional film. This writer, producer and director Brian Sloan also made I THINK I DO - a wonderful gay romantic film that is one of my all time favorite gay movies. A very talented and inspired man here.

"