Stirring tribute

By Anna Urbanik
Staff Writer

It took a few years for Hollywood filmmakers to dig into the emotional debris of Sept. 11, 2001. This spring, Jim Simpson introduced The Guys, his new drama exploring the aftermath.

This profoundly moving film is an adaptation of Anne Nelson’s play. Using her journalistic skills, Nelson helped a fire captain after the 9/11 tragedy write several eulogies for the men he lost in the World Trade Center. Nine images of “the guys” come to life piece by piece through the memories and stories recalled by their captain.

In the film version, Sigourney Weaver plays a New York journalist named Joan, who desperately tries to rescue her beloved city.

Anthony La-Paglia, most recently seen as an FBI agent in the TV show “Without A Trace,” plays Nick, a fire captain dealing with the single most difficult assignment of his career. He cannot find the words to describe his fellow firefighters and their heroic last deeds.

Together, Joan and Nick create genuine testaments to each of the individuals who sacrificed his life to save others.

What they accomplish is sometimes funny, often touching and always real. The nearly cathartic dialogue between the two is the emotional anchor of the movie. A connection is made and the sophisticated performances of each actor invites you to participate in the conversation.

The action reaches its peak when the captain speaks to the family and friends gathered at a funeral for one of the fallen men. It is the perfect lid for this very powerful story.

When you go see this movie, which opened on April 4, be prepared for a moving experience, because this magnificent documentary rendered by Nelson, Weaver, LaPaglia and Simpson will touch your heart and stay deep in your soul.