Films Featuring the World Trade Center: The Last Moments of an Iconic Landmark

Over 500 films have captured the iconic image of the World Trade Center (WTC) in their visual narratives. From its construction in the early 1970s to its collapse in September 2001, the Twin Towers have been an integral part of numerous movies, depicting various historical and fictional scenarios. One of the notable films where the WTC was used as a filming location is 'Three Days of the Condor' (1975), directed by Sydney Pollak and starring Robert Redford.

Three Days of the Condor and the WTC

'Three Days of the Condor' is one of the few films that were partially filmed inside the World Trade Center. In this CIA spy thriller, Robert Redford plays CIA analyst Joe Turner, code-named 'Condor.' The film, released in 1975, offers a chilling look at the inner workings of the CIA, particularly during the Cold War era.

The film's storyline revolves around Turner's encounter with a group of armed men in his office building after several of his coworkers are murdered. Turner, who had just gone for lunch, returns to find his colleagues dead and flees to a nearby phone booth. From this booth, he calls the CIA's New York headquarters located within the WTC.

Key Scenes and Filming Details

The part of the WTC where the film was shot is not explicitly mentioned in the 1975 release. However, it is believed that the New York division headquarters, referred to in the film, may have been within the World Trade Center. The iconic structure serves as a backdrop for the tension and drama, adding a layer of authenticity to the film.

Another significant scene in the film involves Turner enlisting the help of a stranger named Kathy Hale (played by Faye Dunaway) to kidnap Higgins, the deputy director of the CIA's New York division. Higgins, played by Cliff Robertson, defends a controversial CIA operation involving the potential militarization of Mideast oil fields.

Impact of 9/11 and Post-9/11 Films

The tragic events of September 11, 2001, left an indelible mark on the WTC, as well as on the film industry. After the destruction of the Twin Towers, the filming of subsequent movies in that location became a sensitive and sometimes controversial issue. Some films had to make substantial changes, such as dubbing closing captions, altering imagery, or even completely removing scenes.

One notable change was the removal of aerial views of the WTC, rather than simply replacing them with digital reconstructions. This decision was made to avoid glorifying the fallen buildings and to respect the memory of those who were killed. Filmmakers had to navigate the emotional landscape of post-9/11 America while staying true to the spirit of their films.

Other Films Featuring the WTC

In addition to 'Three Days of the Condor,' many other films captured the essence of the WTC. These include 'Trading Places' (1983), 'The Hunt for Red October' (1990), and 'Election' (1999). Each film portrays the Twin Towers from different angles, some using the structure as a symbol of power and others as a mere setting.

Notably, 'The Hunt for Red October' (1990) features the WTC during the film's opening sequence. In 'Election,' the towers stand prominently against the sky, adding a sense of grandeur and foreboding.

Conclusion

The World Trade Center has played a significant role in the history of cinema, being featured in over 500 films. From 'Three Days of the Condor' to modern-day blockbusters, the WTC has served as a powerful symbol of American life and culture. Despite the tragic events that led to its destruction, the structure continues to inspire filmmakers, prompting them to honor its legacy while creating stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.

Keywords: World Trade Center, 9/11, Movie Filming