'Tower' A Review

Tower is a documentary about the 1966 shootings at University of Texas at Austin. The film contains archival footage, animated reenactments, and interviews woven together with an artistry which elevates the film beyond the straight-forward PBS style documentary it may at first appear to be. It recounts the 96 minute shooting on 8/1/66 in almost real time from the perspectives of the victims, participants, and onlookers spending almost no time on the identity or possible motivations of the shooter.

What becomes abundantly clear is the confusion and the terror the event provoked and how long it took for what was happening to become clear. In this age of cell phones and instant communication the way not only the event unfolded on campus but throughout the world is fascinating. It creates a stark contrast to the bloated media landscape in which we live today. After the event has been set up the film turns away from the specific circumstances and delves into the numerous acts of human compassion and bravery the tragedy provoked.

The fluid cuts and transitions from animation to real footage create a more visceral recounting of the event than a more cut-and-dry recitation of the events would be. We certainly get substantial who was where when type of information but time and again the film turns away from the specific facts to what the individuals who experienced it were thinking and feeling in the moment. And that focus is what is engaging and heartbreaking and inspiring. It makes the film rise above the historical into something much more potent.

A visually complex and emotionally captivating memorial, emphasizing collective courage over individual cruelty.

Don't Miss It.