WTC View

In the aftermath of the devastating 9/11 attacks, New York City is a different place, shrouded in a huge cloud of fear, loss and uncertainty. "WTC View," a beautifully rendered film directed by Brian Sloan and released in 2005, affords us a glimpse into the lives of the residents of this altered city, specifically focusing on the experience of one individual, Eric, played with nuance and sensitivity by Michael Urie.

Eric's personal story juxtaposes the tranquility before the attacks and the changed atmosphere afterward. Just a day before the tragedy, Eric, a downtown Manhattan resident, had casually placed an ad in a newspaper for a roommate for his expansive apartment overlooking the World Trade Centre (the "WTC View" in the title). Little did he know that the eventful day to follow would cast long shadows on his city, his apartment, and his own life.

The narrative unfolds largely within the apartment, instating a sense of both confinement and refuge. The apartment, with its panoramic view of the disaster site, now vacant, becomes a focal point of the movie. The view, which was once considered a premium selling point, now seems undesirable to many prospective tenants.

As Eric interviews potential roommates, he is introduced to a diverse array of characters, each possessing their own unique perspective on the incidents. This includes an array of people like Alex (Jeremy Beazlie), a disoriented survivor, and Josie (Lucas Papaelias), a quizzical conspiracy theorist, among others. These characters do not serve merely as potential roommates but, more importantly, reflect the diverse spectrum of reactions and emotions that New Yorkers had in response to the catastrophe. It's striking how Sloan uses this simple premise to pull a broad portrait of a city and its denizens coping with unprecedented trauma.

Michael Urie's portrayal of Eric is genuinely captivating. He is a young gay man grappling not only with the dynamics of a city in trauma but also with his personal issues, like the break-up with his boyfriend. Urie displays endearing vulnerability in the midst of trying to comprehend the overwhelming events. Eric's desperation for a semblance of normalcy in chaos resonates well with the audience, leaving us rooting for him.

The visual elements in the movie seek not to dramatize, but to present a measured view of life in the city post 9/11. "WTC View" doesn't indulge in remarkable camera techniques or ostentatious imagery but rather displays a restrained treatment. Brian Sloan shows us a New York City that is wounded but resilient, burdened but not weighed down.

The film is based on Sloan's stage-play of the same name, which was mounted in New York City in 2003. Translated to screen, the source material benefits greatly from the intimate medium, making the emotional nuances of the characters and the scenario more palpable.

“WTC View” is also unique in being one of the earliest cinematic responses to the 9/11 attacks. However, instead of focusing on the spectacle of the disaster, the film deals with the aftermath, the process of grappling with the unimaginable, the courage it takes to continue the day-to-day life in a city forever changed. Through arresting performances, especially by Urie, Sloan weaves a stirring narrative about human resilience and the power of humanity even amid calamity.

Overall, WTC View is a poignant exploration of life in a city scarred by tragedy, revealing not only the pain but also the persistent spirit of resilience. While it doesn’t shirk away from the harsh reality of the tragedy, the underlying currents of hope and determination also reverberate meaningfully throughout the film. It underscores the ability of a city, and more importantly, its people, to stand tall despite adversity and continue living, reshaping their reality with optimism and grit.