Watch Witness: DC 9/11

Witness: DC 9/11 is a docudrama film that depicts the events leading up to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and the subsequent response from the US government. The film follows the perspective of President George W. Bush (played by Timothy Bottoms) and his closest advisors as they attempt to make sense of the unprecedented crisis and navigate the political landscape in its aftermath.

The film begins with President Bush on vacation at his ranch in Texas, unaware of the unfolding events in New York City. As news of the attacks breaks, the President is rushed back to Washington, DC, where he convenes an emergency meeting of his cabinet and military leaders. From there, the film follows the tense negotiations and decision-making processes that took place in the days and weeks following the attacks.

Throughout the film, we see the President grappling with the enormity of the situation and the weight of the decisions he must make. He is at times conflicted, emotional, and resolute, as he tries to balance the need for swift action with the complexities of international politics and the demands of public opinion. Meanwhile, his advisors and aides work tirelessly to gather information, formulate a strategy, and carry out the President's orders.

The film also depicts the human side of the tragedy, showing scenes of ordinary Americans responding to the attacks with courage, sacrifice, and compassion. We see firefighters, police officers, and ordinary citizens rushing into harm's way to save lives, and the film pays tribute to their bravery and selflessness.

As the plot unfolds, tensions rise, and the country is gripped by a sense of fear and uncertainty. The film captures the sense of vulnerability and loss that so many Americans felt in the wake of the attacks, while also celebrating the resilience and determination that helped the country to rebuild and recover.

Throughout the film, the acting is excellent, with standout performances from Timothy Bottoms as President Bush, and Stephen Macht as Vice President Cheney. The writing is also impressive, balancing moments of tension, drama, and emotion with a clear-eyed look at the political and practical realities of responding to a major crisis.

Overall, Witness: DC 9/11 is a powerful and affecting film that provides a unique and compelling perspective on one of the defining moments of modern American history. It combines a gripping narrative with a deep understanding of the complex forces at play in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, and it offers a sobering reminder of the sacrifices made by so many in the fight against terrorism.