‘United 93’: Detail is relentlessly realistic

Relentless, disturbing and magnificent, “United 93” dares you to be a witness to history.

Intense hand-held camera work and attention to detail make for heart-pounding excitement. This movie is so realistic that it appears to be a documentary that could have been filmed by hidden cameras during the actual catastrophic events of Sept. 11, 2001.

The sharp screenplay magnifies the events of that fateful day with intimate details. Most of the first hour of the film takes place in the pulsating air-traffic-control rooms where the crisis first comes to light, providing a minute-by-minute account of the action using as actors some of the real controllers who were on duty that day.

This stark realism combined with actual footage of the airplanes striking the World Trade Center will definitely overwhelm viewers too sensitive to relive that devastating attack.

Director and writer Paul Greengrass (“The Bourne Supremacy”) is no stranger to political thrillers with big-name stars. Here he wisely uses outstanding unknown actors in every role. This allows us to identify with the very ordinary passengers who become heroes during their nightmare flight.

This film is a testament to the courage and sacrifice of the common man thrust into extraordinary situations. But it also vividly presents the terrifying hopelessness of the desperate passengers.

Ruthless in presenting a horrific true story, it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. But “United 93” will surely get Oscar’s attention.