Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Review "September 5": Dir. Tim Fehlbaum on Afdah


The event has been referred to as the "Munich Massacre." In 1972, during the summer Olympic Games, a Palestinian terrorist organization called "Black September" infiltrated the Olympic Village with the intent of taking Israeli athletes hostage and broadcasting their demands to a global audience. In a groundbreaking moment for television, ABC News was present to document the developing crisis, providing haunting visuals and tense scenes to viewers worldwide. Rather than delving into the chaotic atmosphere of the violent takeover, co-writer and director Tim Fehlbaum (known for 2021's "Tides") focuses on the ABC team in "September 5," portraying the frantic crew as they strive to manage the emergency, utilizing their professional expertise and technology to capture this unprecedented event. While it is a historical account, Fehlbaum transforms it into compelling cinema, maintaining a brisk and dynamic pace in "September 5," effectively recreating intense moments and vibrant personalities, making it one of the standout films of the year.


The 1972 Olympic Games are currently taking place in Munich, with ABC Sports providing comprehensive coverage of the event. The team is utilizing satellite technology to broadcast the proceedings globally, under the supervision of broadcasting executive Roone (portrayed by Peter Sarsgaard), who is managing the extensive efforts required for such a large-scale operation. Roone is stationed in a television control room plagued by malfunctioning air conditioning, preparing for another day of Olympic events, accompanied by Marvin (played by Ben Chaplin), the head of operations, and newcomer Geoffrey (portrayed by John Magaro), who is eager to establish himself as a director. Early in the morning, the team is startled by the sound of gunfire nearby and quickly seeks to comprehend the situation, ultimately learning that the Palestinian terrorist organization Black September has seized a portion of the Olympic Village, threatening the lives of Israeli athletes unless their demands are fulfilled. Aware of the gravity of the situation and their proximity to the unfolding crisis, the ABC team resolves to remain on air, devising strategies to monitor the events as they unfold before a global audience.



Fehlbaum opts not to recreate the Olympic Games, instead choosing to incorporate footage from the event throughout "September 5 afdah," while the majority of the narrative unfolds within the control room. This environment is characterized by a flurry of technical activity, as Roone and his team navigate the complexities of live coverage. Their swift timing and extensive training ensure that camera angles are expertly aligned and decisions are made to effectively narrate the competitions, particularly highlighting the prowess of swimmer Mark Spitz. The team operates like a finely tuned machine, and they welcome a newcomer, Geoffrey, who is seeking new professional opportunities and anticipates handling simpler tasks as he acclimates to the event. "September 5" refrains from exploring character backstories, instead efficiently introducing the individuals in the control room through their roles, including interpreter Marianne (Leonie Benesch) and reporter Peter Jennings (Benjamin Walker), providing insight into their professional and personal dynamics before the main events unfold.


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