Movies
Narrator: Sir Ian McKellen
Saint of 9/11 is a documentary about Father Mychal Judge, a Catholic priest whose portrayal in this film leaves the audience agreeing with the epitaph before its running time is through.
The film opens with footage of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centre in 2001, during which the Franciscan friar ran into the chaos to help those caught up in the disaster. His body emerged from the wreckage in the arms of members of the New York Fire Department (NYFD), for which he was a Chaplain.
From this scene, far more poignant in its ever-affecting depiction of the tragic event rather than the death of one specific man, Saint of 9/11 then takes the audience through an exhaustive account of the cleric's life. Ian McKellen's voice provides the narration and heartfelt recital of Judge's words.
Born of Irish descent in Brooklyn, Judge is portrayed as the kind of men of the cloth that are able to maintain a good name for the Church. He ministered to the man on the street in New York garnering the respect and gratitude of colleagues and friends (many of whose lives he had changed extensively).
Judge was not seen as a man of the church who resided in an ivory tower away from the real world. A gay man who also struggled with alcohol addiction, Judge was humanised by his circumstances. He went on to be a fighter for causes such as HIV/AIDS in its early days, a strong supporter of Alcoholics Anonymous, and campaigner for peace in Ireland.
By the time that - over an hour later - coverage again turns to 9/11, the filmmakers have encouraged the audience not to see the footage of the attacks as eclipsing the tragic death of the man.
More: Movies, Tribeca Film Festival
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I had the honor of meeting Fr. Mychal Judge during the TWA800 catastrophe, but I got to know Fr. Judge during this wonderful portrait of his life. The film was emotional, touching, honest, funny at times, and gave you a sense that we all can have hope in our worst of days.
I agree that that, at times, the movie seemed exhaustive in it's attempt in bringing every facet of Mychel's life to the viewer. That does not mean that this film should not be seen. It is quite powerful in it's portrayal of Mychal Judge as a normal person, with typical personal challenges, yet had the personal and moral convictions to help his fellow man. The anectodal stories of Mychal's friends, from former street people to his fellow priests, are good for several light moments during the film. This film will also certainly maintain the fence between those in the church who still consider homosexuality a sin and those who are more moderate in their views. This was evident at the post Q&A at the premier at Pace University when one individual questioned the films purpose altogether when he commented that a priest's commitment to chastity made the issue of sexuality irrelevant. A fellow audience member challenged this viewpoint stating that being gay or straight does not necessarily require the physical act. Overall, a great look back at a man who had a very interesting life and was not afraid to deal with life's most difficult moments.
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I saw the movie on pay per view and thought it was excellent. Father Judge was truly a living saint, and should be canonized for his heroism, love of his fellow man, and kindness.