As I flipped through the channels on television a few nights ago, I could not help but cringe in disgust at previews for the film United 93. I thought to myself, “How could anyone have the audacity to produce this film during such uncertain times for our nation and, most importantly, during a time of war?” This was my initial reaction – a reaction I’m sure others could relate to. I’ll be the first to admit I do not know all the ins and outs of politics or the entertainment business, but I am a proud American citizen who enjoys going to a good movie from time to time. Granted, events such as Sept. 11, Pearl Harbor and World War II in general have occurred in the past and movies have been created about them, so this issue is not unique. However, as a 21-year-old, this is my first encounter with a moral dilemma of this magnitude and, as some may agree, this movie just doesn’t feel right.

It has been almost five years since the terrorist attacks, and I do not think enough time has passed for it to be appropriate to profit from these horrific events. However, after talking to a few of my close friends, I surprisingly received reactions contrary to my own. After reading about the movie on the Internet, I gained some insight and even appreciation for the dissenting opinion.

United 93 director Paul Greengrass, who has made films and documentaries about social and political issues, including Bloody Sunday, about the violence surrounding a 1972 civil rights march in Northern Ireland, said in a recent Los Angeles Times article that the timing is based on instinct and conversations with those directly affected.

Before reading the article, I assumed the majority of Americans would be offended by this film and not view it as an opportunity to create unity among the nation. Movies definitely have the power to inspire, inform and even rally the public audience. However, I am unsure of what effect this particular film will have on our society. Greengrass states, “The only people who can truly judge the issue is the families themselves.” We all watched the planes crash into the World Trade Center – the image was replayed so many times it’s ingrained in our memories.

If United 93 does in fact succeed at the box office, the next question would have to be, “Where will the money be going?” I would hope to a worthwhile cause; that would be the only morally responsible thing to do. From what I understand, that is exactly what is going to happen – all proceeds from United 93 will be given to the families directly affected by the tragic event of Sept. 11.

The fact is Sept. 11 was a tragic event that made every American feel more on edge and insecure about his or her safety. Is bringing the horrifying plane rides that led to many Americans’ deaths to the big screen something necessary at this point in time? Is it something we’re all ready for? I, like many of you, just don’t know.

So I pose a few questions for myself and for everyone to think about when you walk to class today, and I encourage you to discuss them among yourselves. Is there such a thing as an acceptable time limit in releasing a film of this nature? Is it OK to profit off tragedy? And, finally, are you going to see United 93?

Hilary Lumb is a junior philosophy major. She can be reached at hlumb10@gmail.com.