Praise for Reflecting Pool

Reflecting Pool joins the great tradition of films that pose a question. Rather than bathe us in sappy escapist entertainment that encourages mindless conformism, the film encourages the viewing public to think critically about an important matter affecting our democracy. It's strongest point occurs near the start, when we see images of Building #7 collapsing straight down. Why was it "pulled" by its owner a few hours after the collapse of the more prominent twin towers? Why have we seen so few images of what hit the Pentagon, when the building was and is monitered by numerous surveillance cameras? These and other questions are unanswered and remain a thorn in the side of our public life. Rather than passivity and quietism, the film is designed to be provocative. Instead of standing on the flimsy ground of rumor and innuendo, it actively discourages nutty conspiracy theories by skillfully discrediting an underground garage character who espouses these paranoid and hysterical views. Instead, it rests on the reasonable terrain of verifiable factual evidence and sound investigative techniques. If this film succeeds in reopening the questions left unanswered by a flawed Commission report, it will have made an important cinematic and historical contribution. The young filmmakers heroic efforts to dramatize this subject, (working on their own with a small crew and meager budget), deserve our praise and support. Everyone should see this film and encourage friends to do so as well. Without millions of dollars of Hollywood press advertising, a grassroots word of mouth effort is what this film deserves.