Watch D.C. 9/11: Time of Crisis

D.C. 9/11: Time of Crisis is a historical drama movie that documents the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Directed by Brian Trenchard-Smith and written by Lionel Chetwynd, the film takes us through a timeline of events as they unfolded during the 48 hours following the tragedy. The film offers us a window into the monumental challenges faced by US President George W. Bush (Timothy Bottoms) as he struggled to navigate through a complex web of political and emotional upheavals. Timothy Bottoms delivers a commendable performance as Bush, portraying him as a man struggling to find his voice in the face of the biggest crisis of his presidency.

John Cunningham plays Dick Cheney, the Vice President of the United States, who emerges as a key figure in the administration's decision-making process. Cunningham's Cheney is portrayed as a master tactician, who exudes calm and rationality, even in the most trying circumstances.

The movie opens on the morning of September 11, 2001, with Bush at a Florida elementary school, reading to a group of students. We witness his reaction to the news of the attacks on the World Trade Center, and the subsequent grounding of all planes in US airspace. From this point on, we are taken through the intricate web of events that followed over the next two days.

One of the strongest aspects of the movie is its portrayal of the human element in the crisis. The film takes us beyond the halls of power to reveal the emotions of the people caught up in the drama. We see how ordinary citizens in New York, Washington D.C., and across the country coped with the shock and tragedy of the attacks.

The film also portrays the inner workings of the Bush White House in a vivid and realistic manner. We get to see firsthand the heated debates, urgent meetings, and delicate negotiations that occurred as the administration responded to the attacks. The film depicts Bush's efforts to rally the nation and calm its fears, while at the same time grappling with the overwhelming responsibility of leading the country through an unprecedented crisis.

One of the most compelling scenes in the movie occurs when Bush addresses the American people that evening, and makes the decision to declare war on terrorism. Bottoms' performance in this scene is particularly noteworthy, as he portrays a president who is resolute, yet visibly shaken by the events of the day.

While the movie may be criticized for its lack of nuance in its portrayal of Bush and his administration, it is nevertheless a powerful and thought-provoking film. It raises important questions about leadership in times of crisis and reminds us of the profound impact that 9/11 had on the United States and the world.

Overall, D.C. 9/11: Time of Crisis is a well-crafted historical drama that gives us a glimpse into the high-stakes decision-making that occurred in the days following the 9/11 attacks. While it may not satisfy viewers looking for a nuanced portrayal of the Bush administration, it nevertheless offers a compelling and thought-provoking account of one of the defining moments in contemporary American history.

D.C. 9/11: Time of Crisis is a 2003 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 7 minutes.