Twin Towers in the Movies - Part 5

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 New York Stories

Man on Wire rekindled my obsession with the World Trade Center. While a full review of Man on Wire has failed to write itself, I can say the best directorial idea by James Marsh was the cross-cutting of the construction of the Twin Towers with Philippe Petit's childhood, which showed the two entities sharing a destiny even in their infancies. But the film and its music seemed too similar to Errol Morris's documentaries. And in the end, I was more inspired and amazed by the event itself (even as Petit allows his eccentricities and flaws to be shown) than the film, which did a serviceable, but hardly groundbreaking job depicting the extraordinary landmark achievement.

Click below for more examples of the Twin Towers in the Movies.

Dog Day Afternoon - (1975) Even as one of the earliest (and best) films with the Twin Towers in view, director Sidney Lumet wasn't satisfied just showing them in the opening credits, but nicely puts a graveyard in the foreground. Very nice contrast, foreshadowing, etc.

The Last Seduction - (1994) Another opening credits shot, but director John Dahl cuts immediately to the lead and femme fatale Bridget (the brilliant Linda Fiorentino). She loves New York. She is New York. Her obsession goes all the way to her fake name (Wen-dy Kroy - spell that backwards, kids!).

The Last Seduction - After she steals her husband's money and as she leaves for upstate New York, director Dahl show Bridget's car backing up in perfect alignment with the WTC.

Scent of a Woman - (1992) - After Frank Slade (Al Pacino) drives the Ferrari and gets pulled over by cop Ron Eldard. These examples are getting worse - and quick. HOO-AH!

Crocodile Dundee - (1986) - Opening credits establishing shot.

Crocodile Dundee - When Mick Dundee comes to America. Yet another establishing shot, which pans from the sky to the ground.

Crocodile Dundee - self-explanatory cheeseball shot.

Crocodile Dundee II - (1988) - The sequel got the Twin Towers out of the way pre-credits. Maybe the only thing bad about The Godfather Part II is the use of every crappy franchise since to use Roman Numerals.

Crocodile Dundee II - I've never seen the third film in the trilogy, but I'm guessing Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles doesn't have the Twin Towers in it.

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York - (1992) - the last five shots are when McCauley Culkin visits the Towers. Five bucks to whoever can alternate his name with Kyle McLachlan 10 times fast. Out.