By David Poland poland@moviecitynews.com
'United 93' Bows, Tribeca Finally Open For Business
While I really do look forward to checking out the overwhelmingly well-reviewed United 93, I was, for whatever reason, turned away from covering its premiere Tuesday evening and even from viewing the film at its Loews Lincoln Square overflow theaters. “You can wait if you want,” a festival flack said, nodding toward the door. “We’re totally full.” Two sources who did manage entry corroborated at least a near-capacity crowd in e-mails to Reeler HQ last night; for the three of you concerning yourselves with the outcome of yesterday’s Lloyd Grove vs. Tribeca Film Festival pissing contest, here is hoping that provides some closure.
Among those who covered the premiere at the Ziegfeld Theater, the Hollywood Reporter’s Gregg Goldstein receives The Reeler’s red-carpet blue ribbon for the quick turnaround and general thoroughness of his dispatch:
(E)ven amidst the smiles and pleasantries in the lobby, mixed emotions were very close to the surface when audience members were asked about the film they were about to see. …
Tribeca co-founder Robert De Niro began the evening’s series of introductions by acknowledging the audience’s difficulty with the subject matter, something Universal is facing as it prepares for the movie’s release Friday. “Given our festival’s founding after September 11, for many of us, the story is difficult,” he said. “We applaud the participation of the family members — your participation means a lot.”
De Niro’s characteristically brief remarks were followed by Rosenthal’s appearance. “The film exemplifies the highest form of the human spirit,” she said. “It leaves us with a new memory that is uplifting.” …
But perhaps actor Gabriel Byrne best summed up feelings about the film: “I can understand why some people don’t want to see the film, and I can see why there’s a compulsion to confront it, because in many ways we still haven’t confronted it.”
Goldstein also features cameos by MPAA boss Dan Glickman, former U.S. Senator (and 9/11 Commission head) Bob Kerrey and some guy named Greengrass. The festival starts in earnest today, which means I must beg your pardon while I put my running shoes on and wolf down another dose of speed. No days down, eleven to go.