Review: September 5 is a captivating look at real-time journalism

September follows the behind-the-scenes of a crew of sports news reporters at the 1972 Munich Olympics. As a terror attack unfolds at the Olympic village, they take on the responsibility of covering it live.

The film was just nominated for Best Screenplay, recognising the talents of its writers Moritz Binder, Tim Fehlbaum, and Alex David. The script is tightly paced, keeping the tension high the entire 90-minute runtime.

While other films like Spielberg’s ‘Munich’ have focused on the aftermath of the devastating attack on the athletes, this film takes place entirely within the newsroom of ABC news.

Roone Arledge (Peter Sarsgaard), Hank Hanson (Corey Johnson), Jacques Lesgardes (Zinedine Soualem), Geoff Mason (John Magaro), Carter (Marcus Rutherford) Gladys Deist (Georgina Rich), Marvin Bader (Ben Chaplin), Marianne Gebhard (Leonie Benesch) star in Paramount Pictures’ “SEPTEMBER 5”.

It places the audience in a real-time view of the studio where producers are making decisions of what to cover. The effect is a totally immersive experience that fills you with every bit of tension, uncertainty and panic that these reporters felt in the moment.

Thematically, the film deals with the often difficult decisions that the reporters have to make of what the air of live television. The responsibility of broadcasting a monumentally terrifying event is weighed against the traumatic reality of family members of the athletes watching them die on video.

Jacques Lesgardes (Zinedine Soualem), Marianne Gebhard (Leonie Benesch), Geoff Mason (John Magaro), Carter (Marcus Rutherford) star in Paramount Pictures’ “SEPTEMBER 5”.

In today’s climate of omnipresent cellphones where any violent attack is instantly filmed and posted without any thought, this films gives important consideration to the pause that journalists have to use when broadcasting sensitive video. The meditations it has on the choices we make about what to show are even more relevant as citizen journalism has become commonplace in the 21st Century.

Jacques Lesgardes (Zinedine Soualem), left, and Geoff Mason (John Magaro) star in Paramount Pictures’ “SEPTEMBER 5,” the film that unveils the decisive moment that forever changed media coverage and continues to impact live news today, set during the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics.

The stars all bring hugely powerful and energised performances. John Magaro in particular sends the entire movie on a razor’s edge of aggression, which drives the anxious nature of the film. Peter Sarsgaard brings a delicate angle to the toughest decisions that have to be made in the newsroom. While Ben Chaplin does a good job of keeping them both in check. Leonie Benesch is also outstanding, dealing with often heavy subject matter with a thoughtful and serious approach.

Marianne Gebhard (Leonie Benesch) in Paramount Pictures’ “SEPTEMBER 5″.

If you like films about the often frenetic nature of the teams behind fast-paced and traumatic events, this films delivers a captivating and devastating story.

September 5 releases in Australian cinemas on February 6th, with Preview Screenings this week 25th and 26th January.

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