Tower

Tower

By Keith Maitland

  • Genre: Documentary
  • Release Date: 2016-10-12
  • Advisory Rating: NR
  • Runtime: 1h 22min
  • Director: Keith Maitland
  • Production Company: Independent Lens
  • Production Country: United States of America
  • iTunes Price: USD 8.99
  • iTunes Rent Price: USD 3.99
7.612/10
7.612
From 187 Ratings

Description

August 1st 1966 was the day our innocence was shattered. A sniper rode the elevator to the top floor of the iconic University of Texas Tower and opened fire, holding the campus hostage for 96 minutes in what was a previously unimaginable event. TOWER combines archival footage with rotoscopic animation of the dramatic day, based entirely on first person testimonies from witnesses, heroes and survivors, in a seamless and suspenseful retelling of the unfolding tragedy. The film highlights the fear, confusion, and visceral realities that changed the lives of those present, and the rest of us, forever - a day when the worst in one man brought out the best in so many others.

Trailer

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Reviews

  • Don't Miss This

    5
    By Tranque
    A very unique twist on a documentary. The animation was excellent and you will be spellbound throughout as the story is unfolded. In a situation where death is very real but there are people dying who need your help … you will discover if you're a coward or someone who will do what it takes to save the lives of a stranger in need. One woman confessed that on that day she was truly a "coward" … and others still seemed completely surprised to discover they weren't. I'm sure every one of them, however, would have been embarrassed at being called a "hero" — they certainly were unlikely ones. This is a must see. Excellently done.
  • Powerfully human

    5
    By Matt T. ---
    The use of animation, archived footage, and interviews with those who were there put me "there" on the day of the tragedy, and the stories shared by those affected hit deeply. Those stories of courage, fear, regret, love, and compassion highlight the complexity of experience that are not often adequately understood with an event such as this. Tower confirmed for me that it's most important to feel a deep sense of empathy, as opposed to fear and hate, when trying to make sense of tragedy.
  • Hated it

    1
    By Andrew2105
    I love documentaries bur this was terrible. Couldn't finish it. Do not waste your money.
  • Tower

    5
    By Lizaba923
    A well done documentary, well told and refreshing with the news footage, animation amd interviews. It was emotional to watch those involved recall the events. Watch this film.
  • Unique Perspective

    5
    By EBrumby
    A wonderful bit of storytelling. I loved how the persepective stayed squarely focused on the people being shot and those responding to the shooting. While this was a seminal event in the history of campus violence, the insights offered by this documentary are timeless.
  • Genuinly Emotional

    5
    By Beruit
    This film takes the "Retrospective Disaster" concept in an entirely new direction. The events are still quoted directly from those who experienced the events first hand, but they are given by actors who deliver the lines with the director's vision in mind. This results in a movie that gives us an incredibly emotional, and human story, while presenting an artistic and stirring story that really gets behind the unexplored parts of the terror and beauty of human nature. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a well told, true story with a great cast of actors and story telling. It will chill you, warm you, and leave you with a hope that isn't cheap and unsatisfactory.
  • Wonderful

    5
    By L_inAustin
    This is a fascinating, moving and wonderful film. The connections between victims and heroes are amazing.
  • Cannot recommend enough!

    5
    By drummermad
    This film can obviously get very dark, but it's also remarkably uplifting, as it's told by survivors. It's emotionally very powerful, but it won't crush your spirits. The illustration is gorgeous, and the way the story unfolds visually is so beautiful. Must-see.
  • Great

    5
    By Joefbb
    Such an awesome documentary with a cool style to it. Definitely worth renting
  • Moving, compelling, with interesting style

    5
    By boston ian
    A beautiful, heartbreaking story but filled with humanity. Rather than narrating from an omniscient present day perspective, the film focuses on the stories of many victims, witnesses, and heroes, getting you to feel how they felt at the moment. Rotoscoped actors re-enact what the real-life people experienced, narrating their own stories using the words of the real people affected by the tragedy. The stories are deeply personal and human and touching. Rita's portrayal was particularly moving in her selflessness and had me welling up on several occasions. What you won't see is much focus on the gunman, which is a refreshing change from what we too often see in the media. It isn't a film that gapes at a monster, like some frightening beast in a zoo. Rather, the focus is wholly on how the event affected ordinary people. A beautiful and important film. Highly recommended.

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