The film “September 5” delves into ABC’s live reporting during the chaotic hostage crisis at the 1972 Munich Olympics. It presents a dramatized exploration of the challenges faced by journalists as they navigated the turmoil, grappling with the ethics of reporting, decisions around language like “terrorism,” and the dangers of broadcasting live events. The narrative features intense negotiations with competing networks over satellite access, creation of disguises, and the urgent need to transport 16mm film out of the secured Olympic village. A cast of characters, both male and female, races against time to manage a rapidly changing situation.
This film offers a real-time retelling of how sports broadcasters unveiled the unfolding tragedy to the audience, coping with technical constraints and a steep learning curve over an intense period of 22 hours. Initially arriving in the studio expecting typical sports updates and interviews, they quickly find themselves dealing with a far more serious event. Geoffrey Mason, the inexperienced coordinator played by John Magaro, faces skepticism about his preparedness, having only covered minor events like baseball games.
Early on September 5, 1972, the drama erupted when eight militants from a group called Black September infiltrated the Olympic village, resulting in the murder of Israeli wrestling coach Moshe Weinberg and weightlifter Yossi Romano. Although some managed to escape, nine individuals were taken captive, which set the stage for a gripping tale of journalism under pressure.
While the story of the Munich Olympics has been recounted frequently, writer and director Tim Fehlbaum found a new angle by focusing on the newsroom and the live broadcast team. He immerses viewers in the era’s technology, showcasing the use of walkie-talkies and the manual efforts to input text onto screens. This attention to detail, along with the almost minute-by-minute reconstruction of events, significantly shapes the film’s screenplay.
The film features a large ensemble cast, including Peter Sarsgaard as Roone Arledge, the then-president of ABC Sports, and Ben Chaplin as Marvin Bader, the operations engineer. Leonie Benesch portrays Marianne Gebhardt, a German-speaking interpreter crucial to the narrative who provides a distinctive perspective from a younger generation trying to understand their nation’s global image post-World War II. Actor Benjamin Walker represents broadcaster Peter Jennings, while authentic footage of anchor Jim McKay is woven into the story.
Despite the commendable efforts of the characters, errors occur, culminating in a significant mistake linked to flawed secondhand information later in the film. This highlights the reality that history often involves inaccuracies, making it relevant and thought-provoking for viewers.
Although the film is steeped in its historical context, it resonates with contemporary themes, allowing it to feel as much like a reflection on media ethics as an immersive experience. While it captivates the audience, it does not invoke the same excitement as an action-packed film like “Apollo 13.” The narrative’s conclusion is decidedly somber rather than triumphant.
In an era where media credibility faces challenges, “September 5” serves to humanize this sector, reminding viewers that behind the headlines are individuals working under great stress to ensure accurate reporting while managing the urgency of delivering news. The film, set to release in theaters on Friday and rated R for language, has a runtime of 94 minutes and is rated three stars out of four.
