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                         May 24, 2002

'In Memorium' honors World Trade Center victims

Review by Capt. Eric Shuler

HBO Pictures will release a short film Sunday, honoring those who lost their lives in the World Trade Center Sept. 11.

In Memorium is a well-edited, documentary film and I guarantee you’ll have tears in your eyes when this 60-minute film is over. In fact, HBO warns viewers this film can be upsetting. HBO Pictures combined photos, videotapes and voicemail recordings to create this memorial. It gives names and put faces to the people who lost their lives.

The film starts with some firemen checking a gas leak by the WTC to the collapse of the buildings. The crew had the complete cooperation of then-Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and, in fact, the film starts with Giuliani talking about that day.

The documentary also shows the faces of the families as they accept their losses. Many family members and friends are shown holding pictures of their loved ones at the site. It moves from there to the many funerals and services in honor of the victims.

In Memoriam ends with a videotape of the three firemen raising the flag over Ground Zero. I think Sept. 11 brought out the best in America and this film is a fitting tribute.

Editor’s note: Shuler is a freelance writer and a member of the Army National Guard.