When I first heard about Oliver Stone’s World Trade Center, I’ll admit my gut reaction wasn’t too friendly. But reviews have been mostly positive (which is certainly surprising), claiming it shows the personal, emotional side of the tragic events. Even if his movie is done tastefully, where Oliver Stone roams, criticism is always a few steps behind.
According to BBC News, families of 9/11 victims have come out against the director for failing to give their campaigns enough support. For starters, they think he and Paramount Pictures should be forking over a higher percent of the profits. "I want to ask them if the movie is well-received to give more money to the memorial," says Monica Iken, who lost her husband Michael in the attacks. Stone has offered 10% of the film’s profits within the first 5 days to various 9/11 charities and memorials; she, among others, are disappointed with the figure.
10% is nothing new: Universal also donated that percentage from the opening weekend gross of United 93. In my opinion, any amount they provide should be appreciated instead of criticized. How many movies dealing with tragedies outside of 9/11, offer even 1% profit to help the cause or real-life people they are telling a story about?
Another relative, Carie Lemack, complained about their refusal to screen 15-30 second public service announcements before the film. She wanted moviegoers to see these short films, encouraging them to contact politicians and find out what had been done to prepare for future disasters, whether man-made or natural. "The best way for Oliver Stone and anyone in Hollywood to honor those who were killed in 9/11, is to make sure that it never happens again," she says. Personally, I think the movie will do enough to remind people about 9/11 and all of the pain it caused, without PSA's proceeding it. By now, we all know about charities accepting donations and small things we can do to help. Let's give audiences a little bit of credit here.
World Trade Center hits theaters on August 9th.
