Peter Sarsgaard’s new film ‘September 5’ explores the ethics of live news coverage
A year of accolades and new projects
Peter Sarsgaard, who recently won the Volpi Cup for Best Actor for his role in “Memory,” is back with another thought-provoking film. This time, he stars in the historical thriller September 5, directed by Tim Fehlbaum. The film, which opens the Horizons Extra section at the Venice Film Festival, delves into the infamous 1972 Munich Summer Olympics tragedy through the eyes of the ABC reporting team.
The story behind ‘September 5’
September 5 centers on the harrowing events of the 1972 Munich Olympics, where members of the Israeli team were taken hostage and later killed. The film uniquely portrays this tragic event from the perspective of the ABC sports team, who had to pivot from covering sports to reporting a live terrorist event. This broadcast, watched by an estimated one billion people globally, raised unprecedented moral and ethical questions about the role of the media in such situations.
For Sarsgaard, the film reflects the advent of live news coverage, a phenomenon that has become ubiquitous today. He argues that while live coverage is pervasive, it often fails to provide a “deeper understanding” of events.
The ethical dilemmas of live news
Sarsgaard’s portrayal of Roone Arledge, a legendary sports TV producer, brings to light the ethical dilemmas faced by the media during the Munich Olympics. The actor reflects on how the live coverage of the hostage situation was a precursor to the kind of real-time news we see today, often consumed with a mix of curiosity and a darker, more voyeuristic interest.
“People have self-immolated live on Facebook. It’s shocking, but people are watching it for reasons that are not about news. I would say some people have a kind of bloodlust in them,” Sarsgaard notes.
The role of the media in shaping perceptions
The film also draws parallels between the events of 1972 and contemporary conflicts, such as the ongoing bloodshed between Israel and Palestine. Sarsgaard points out that while live coverage can evoke strong emotions, it often lacks the depth needed for a true understanding of complex situations.
“A lot of what we saw, and what we continue to see, is live coverage, and iPhone coverage. These things create a lot of feeling, but I don’t know that they make us think more clearly,” he says.
A busy year for Sarsgaard
Sarsgaard has had a hectic year, having just wrapped up filming The Bride!, a Frankenstein retelling directed by his wife, Maggie Gyllenhaal. He also recently appeared alongside his brother-in-law, Jake Gyllenhaal, in the Apple TV+ courtroom drama series Presumed Innocent.
Reflecting on his experience working with his wife, Sarsgaard shares, “I love working with my wife. The particular role I’m playing [in The Bride!] is the detective. And I think she knew that a lot of the actors that I liked growing up were from film noir, and there were a lot of detectives. So she knew that it would be fun for me.”
The allure of complex characters
Sarsgaard is known for his ability to bring a dark, calculated energy to his roles, often playing characters with ulterior motives. He finds these roles particularly enjoyable, noting that playing sincere characters is much more challenging.
“I love playing people who have ulterior motives. That’s like the easiest thing in the world. It’s very hard to play sincere people,” he admits.
The Skarsgard confusion
Interestingly, Sarsgaard often gets mistaken for being part of the Skarsgard family, a confusion he no longer bothers to correct. “I love Stellan’s work, and Alex’s, so why the fuck not if people want me to be a part of that family. I mean, he’s got enough children so I could easily be another,” he jokes.
Final thoughts
Peter Sarsgaard’s September 5 offers a compelling look at a historic event through a unique lens, raising important questions about the role of the media in shaping public perception. As Sarsgaard continues to take on diverse and challenging roles, his work remains a testament to his versatility and depth as an actor.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit September 5.
Note: This article is a reimagined version of an original piece, enriched with additional context and personal reflections to provide a deeper understanding of the subject matter.