September 5 revisits the tragic events of the 1972 Munich Olympics, where Israeli athletes were kidnapped and murdered by the Palestinian militant group “Black September”.
Directed by Tim Fehlbaum, the film is an intense, behind-the-scenes view of ABC News’ live coverage as producer Geoff Mason (John Magaro) navigates the chaos under the watchful eye of Roone Arledge (Peter Sarsgaard).
With a meticulous focus on 1970s media production, the film highlights the urgency of analog technology—strategic camera placements, smuggled film reels, and precise title assembly—all against the backdrop of a moral conflict of newsworthy momentum against ethical judgment.
Cinematographer Markus Förderer’s hand-held visuals and Julian Wagner’s production design of the analog technology of the time immerse viewers in the control room’s pressure-cooker environment.
Ultimately, September 5 recounts a pivotal historical moment and questions the role and responsibility of journalists during crises. It is a thought-provoking experience that should not be missed.
In my video, I discuss how the screenplay captures the technical and ethical dilemmas of reporting a live terrorist attack, how the visuals enhance the immersive atmosphere, and why the film is so relevant today.
Letter Grade: A