A new film explores the harrowing events of the Munich Olympics hostage crisis
Munich: So, there’s this new film called “September 5” that dives into the chaos of the 1972 Olympics. It all started when a group called Black September took Israeli athletes hostage. The whole world was glued to their screens as ABC Sports switched from sports to breaking news.
The director, Tim Fehlbaum, really wanted to capture that moment. He said it was Germany’s chance to show a new, liberal image to the world. But then, everything changed in an instant. The Olympics, which were supposed to be about sports, turned into a live news event.
In the film, Peter Sarsgaard plays Roone Arledge, who pushed for the sports team to cover the unfolding crisis. It’s fascinating to see how the crew had to adapt on the fly. They were in a control room, and suddenly, they had to report on something so tragic.
There’s also a character named Geoffrey Mason, played by John Magaro, who’s trying to impress the higher-ups at ABC. The pressure was intense, and you can really feel that in the film. It’s like you’re right there with them, feeling the stress and urgency.
Fehlbaum aimed for a documentary style, making sure all the tech was accurate. He wanted to show how media works, especially in a crisis. It’s a gripping look at how decisions made in a control room can change the narrative of a story.
While the film doesn’t take a political stance, it’s hard not to think about the current Israel-Palestine situation while watching. It’s more about the media’s role in telling these stories and how they shape public perception.
If you’re into journalism or just curious about history, this film offers a unique perspective on a dark chapter. “September 5” is in select theaters now and will be widely released on January 17.
