#DIFF2016 Tower

Opening:
Wow. I was speechless after the screening in the best way possible. This might be one of the most unique and best documentaries I have ever seen. Let’s get reel and break this down.

Plot:
Nearly fifty years ago, a gunman rode the elevator to the twenty-seventh floor of the University of Texas Tower and opened fire. TOWER, an animated and action-packed documentary, shares the untold story of that day - when the worst in one man brought out the best in so many others.

Writing/Directing

Pros:
Director Keith Maitland creates an entertaining look on this tragic shooting but also an emotional documentary showing normal people uniting and being heroes in this day of terror that happened almost fifty years ago. The choice of animation in the film provides a different approach but one that is beautiful and haunting to look at it causing you to get lost in the art as it plays. In contrast of its color, Maitland also brings up the dark reality of public shootings and how we need to stand up as a group and do something about it, or at the very least, make your voice heard.

Cons:
None.

Acting

Pros:
Documentaries are too cool for this section. However, this film has good acting of the reenactments really selling us on that day and taking us back in time.

Cons:
None.

Cinematography

Pros:
The animation is rich in colorful and has a surreal quality to it really sucking you in the moment. It was like watching a fragmented dream that you have experienced the night before.

Cons:
None.

Editing/Special Effects

Pros:
The special effects are breathtaking and make it some of the most unique shots ever in a documentary. With that said, I was fully engaged and never felt the drag in the hour and half runtime.

Cons:
None.

Overall:
I have said my peace about this brilliant documentary. You need to see it.

Grade: A+
(Review by Chase Lee)