MovieChat Forums > Reign Over Me (2007) Discussion > i thought this was weird

i thought this was weird

posted 16 years ago by tbsguy18
7 replies | jump to latest

The movie itself is great, and it’s very touching…tugs at the heartstrings so to speak. Anyway, the scene where Don Cheadle’s character is talking to Liv Tyler’s character about how he thinks Charlie needs help and how he’s having trouble coping with the loss of his family. When he mentions how they died, he say’s
“he lost his whole family in a plane crash…it happened a few years ago.”
What was weird is that he mentioned it like it was just some random plane crash, as opposed to this huge terrible event that we all know it as. It’s not till the end of the movie when Charlie finally opens up that they somewhat, albeit vaguely, refer to it as “September 11th”.

It almost seemed like they weren’t allowed to talk about it for the movie. Kind of like when they have to blur out the brand name of a soda or cereal or something on TV.

Has anyone ever noticed anything else like this in a movie or on TV?

I realize that the movie wasn't meant to center on 9/11 itself, but more so a man dealing with the loss of his family, but even still, why not just call it what it is?

[–] TennesseeTarheel 16 years ago

I noticed this, too. Of course, 9-11 was about more than just a plane crash. Hs comments were focussed on his loss, and less about how he lost them. I don't think there was anything nefarious about it. Just the writer's choice, in my opinion. The script was very well constructed (from my amateur viewpoint), so I think it
was intentional. Maybe he was trying to protect Charlie's identity, since they
were both professionals. This is the first movie I have watched twice in one day.
It truly is a remarkable film.

[–] chelopez54 12 years ago

I too experienced 9/11 when my husband had an 11 am meeting that morning in the towers and thankfully never it made down there even....I called him as the first plane hit and told him what was happening. I knew even then it was NOT a small twin engine plane that hit.
I just saw this movie last night and loved it. I like Adam alot but mostly the flicks like wedding singer, splanglish and such. I thought he was excellant in this movie and proved himself to be quite the actor that most of his "funny" movies do not show. I loved it! I think he should have won an award for his acting of this man in deep mourning for his family. LOVED it Adam. LOVED IT!
Loved you in it!
Che Lopez-7/11/54

[–] LovesUpham 16 years ago

I've had many people tell me that many NewYorkers don't like to talk about it (understandably). For these people, i guess there is an unspoken agreement that would make it some what easier to talk about. I don't think it's somthing we could understand unless we lived in NY.

Also, THe director didn't want to brand it as 9/11 film. and to be honest thats not really what it was about.

Beautiful film!

[–] wrongway_4 16 years ago

They actually didn't say 9/11 at any point in the film. Even at the beginning, his daughter just asks if Charlie Feinman was the one whose wife was on the plane.

I think it was definitely intentional on the part of the writer/director.

I also noticed that near the end of the film when Charlie and Johnson are talking, they are staring across the Hudson river, where we know if you zoomed out we would see the NYC skyline, but they never zoom out.

It's to acknowledge that yes this was 9/11, but that's not what it's about.

But still, where'd the lighter fluid come from?

[–] kao123 12 years ago

Speaking as a former NYer, there was always a social etiquette in discussing this topic. Since you don't know someone's feeling, experience, etc., you have to be careful to come right and say it.

I know that the mention of 9/11 can bring certain pictures in my mind, depending upon the moment. I appreciate that they do not beat this over your head.

Farewell,and may the blessing of Elves and Men and all Free Folk go with you.

[–] 12 years ago

[deleted]

[–] abhinavjain 8 years ago

They were hinted twice before... somewhere it was written 12th September 2001, i forget which scene and once when don meets his sandler's "golf" buddy at his office or wherever that was, he mentions it.