Paramount Pictures’ powerful journalistic drama, September 5, has garnered widespread acclaim this awards season, reflecting the dedication of its director, writers, and cast to present an authentic portrayal of the harrowing events surrounding the 1972 Summer Olympics. By adopting the perspective of the control room, the film captures the chaotic essence of real-time reporting during a crisis.
As a captivating entry within the highly competitive genre of journalism dramas, September 5 explores the true events that unfolded when ABS Sports broadcasters covered the Israeli hostage crisis during the Munich Olympics. The film thoughtfully examines the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists and the geopolitical tensions in West Germany at the time. This narrative is not only a gripping account of international terrorism but also prompts reflection on the morality of airing such violence live to a worldwide audience, as it tragically resulted in the deaths of 11 Israeli athletes and several members of the militant group Black September.
Given the sensitive nature of the events of September 5, 1972, it was crucial for the filmmakers to portray the details accurately. Following the film’s recent Golden Globe nomination, director and writer Tim Fehlbaum, along with actors Leonie Benesch and Ben Chaplin, shared insights with The Mary Sue about the intricacies of journalism, the 1970s era, and the importance of factual accuracy in their cinematic retelling.
The Creative Process Behind September 5
Fehlbaum’s fascination with the world of broadcast television heavily influenced September 5, as he sought to illustrate the frenetic energy characteristic of an Olympic newsroom during a crisis. “I love when movies allow viewers to connect with the people on screen,” he explained. “While our film addresses a tragic situation, it also serves as a tribute to the live television landscape, which captivates me.”
However, September 5 offers a unique twist on the traditional journalism drama. The ABS News crew faced the daunting task of reporting on a grim hostage situation for which they were unprepared. Chaplin, portraying Marvin Bader, highlighted the challenge of balancing professionalism amid chaos: “In these extreme circumstances, it’s crucial to showcase well-meaning individuals striving to do their best, despite being thrust into uncharted territory,” he remarked. “These professionals display an unwavering commitment to navigate a challenging situation, ultimately leading to a personal tragedy, albeit less severe than the events themselves.”
“In my mind, it’s about these well-intentioned people doing the very best they can, very professional, very good at their jobs, groundbreakingly good at their jobs…but [they] get thrown into a situation that wasn’t one that they had ever planned on being in, and weren’t necessarily sure how to navigate. But they were can-do people. Like television, they’re going to make it work, and that ends up with its own particular—on top of the tragic events themselves—it ends up with its own personal tragedy for these people. Much smaller, obviously, but life-changing for them.”
In her role as Marianne Gebhardt, the German translator, Benesch devoted time to mastering the use of a portable typewriter akin to her character’s tools during the live coverage, understanding the significance of these details in authentically depicting Gebhardt’s experience. “I find it rewarding when portraying a character with a defined profession. It’s essential to grasp the nuances of their world and how they approach their work,” Benesch explained. The cast expressed gratitude for Fehlbaum’s meticulous attention to detail and authenticity, which greatly contributed to their immersion in the film’s 1970s aesthetic.
The Challenges of Live News Production in 1972
Modern viewers often take for granted the technological advancements in news broadcasting—especially the convenience of portable cameras. Fehlbaum addressed this disparity, reflecting on the challenges faced by journalists in 1972 while recreating the real-time news atmosphere in September 5: “It’s fascinating to see how cumbersome the camera equipment was back then, prompting us to reconsider our media consumption today.”
A particularly notable scene features the ABC Sports team losing their satellite link at a critical moment, an occurrence that would be virtually unthinkable in today’s media landscape, given the advancements in satellite technology. Fehlbaum found this incident to be indicative of the period’s challenges, as it interrupted live coverage during an already chaotic situation. “It’s almost surreal to depict a scenario where they lost their satellite slot, halting an interview. Such a scenario wouldn’t typically be written into a script without having firsthand accounts to reference,” he remarked.
Adapting the events of the 1972 Summer Olympics was a formidable task, layered with complexities. However, the cast and crew’s commitment to thorough research and authenticity positions September 5 as a strong contender for recognition in this year’s Academy Awards.
Related Articles:
The Conners Cast Member Shares Thoughts on Final Filming and Teases Upcoming Season Highlights
3:55
Comprehensive Guide to On Call Cast and Characters
3:33
Recap of Abbott Elementary and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia Crossover: Top 8 Key Moments and Reveals
3:22
Leave a Reply