All Of It: Episode 'September 5' with Peter Sarsgaard and Leonie Benesch

Introduction

In this episode of ALL OF IT, hosted by Alison Stewart from the WNYC studios in SoHo, the focus shifts to the gripping historical drama "September 5th." This film delves into the harrowing events of the 1972 Munich Olympics hostage crisis orchestrated by the Palestinian terror group Black September. The episode features insightful conversations with actors Peter Sarsgaard, who portrays ABC Sports President Rune Arledge, and Leonie Benesch, who plays Mariana, a German translator pivotal to the unfolding narrative.

Overview of "September 5th"

"September 5th" centers on the critical decision-making process within ABC Sports during one of the most intense moments in sports and news history. Rune Arledge faces the monumental task of deciding whether to continue covering the Olympic events live or shift focus to the unfolding hostage crisis. This decision marks the beginning of a series of consequential choices that Rune and his team must navigate over the ensuing 22 hours. The film masterfully blends real archival footage with a tightly woven script to recreate the tension and ethical dilemmas faced by sports journalists during the crisis.

Guest Introductions

• Peter Sarsgaard as Rune Arledge: An ABC Sports executive grappling with the responsibility of live broadcasting during a national tragedy.
• Leonie Benesch as Mariana: A skilled German translator whose underestimated role becomes crucial in the crisis management.

Character Analysis: Rune Arledge

Peter Sarsgaard delves deep into the psyche of Rune Arledge, highlighting his visionary approach to sports media. Sarsgaard explains, "Rune was really into the idea that the viewer at home would have the best seat in the house for a sporting event... when this hostage crisis happened, it seemed very natural to him to take this live camera and point it at that balcony for 22 hours" (02:25). He emphasizes Rune's role in transforming media consumption, illustrating how Rune's decisions during the crisis set a precedent for live news coverage that persists to this day. Sarsgaard also touches on the ethical quandaries that arise from such real-time reporting, questioning the fine line between informing the public and inadvertently escalating crises.

Mariana's Role and Leonie Benesch's Preparation

Leonie Benesch discusses her character, Mariana, shedding light on the challenges she faced as the only woman in a predominantly male environment. She reflects, "I think in a way that I think most of us women, female identifying people, know or are used to being underestimated... there was a policewoman... no one took her seriously or tried to use her" (06:43). Benesch highlights how Mariana's character overcomes underestimation to play a vital role in the narrative, illustrating themes of gender dynamics and resilience.

Ethical Dilemmas in Media Coverage

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the ethical responsibilities of journalists in crisis situations. Peter Sarsgaard poses thought-provoking questions: "How do we change an event unfolding simply by putting a camera and pointing a camera at it? How is there such a thing as a neutral perspective?" (13:24). Both guests explore the impact of media presence on real-life events, debating when reporting transitions from informative to exploitative. They urge viewers to reflect on their media consumption habits and the broader implications of live coverage on societal perception and action.

Filmmaking Techniques: Claustrophobia and Controlled Spaces

Sarsgaard elaborates on the film's setting, particularly the confined environment of the control room. He notes, "The film creates its own sense of drama... It was smoky, it was hot, there were long hours..." (08:22). The deliberate choice to depict the control room as a cramped, high-pressure environment heightens the tension and underscores the characters' intense focus and precision. This setting serves as a microcosm for the broader chaos unfolding outside, emphasizing the isolating nature of decision-making under pressure.

Challenges of Depicting Communication: Off-Screen Walkie-Talkies

Leonie Benesch discusses the unique challenge of conveying her character's interactions primarily through off-screen walkie-talkies. Reflecting on the technique, she shares, "I love when a filmmaker is brave enough to trust that you don't need a close up of the actor speaking in order to create tension..." (10:05). This method demands a nuanced performance, relying on vocal inflections and timing to convey urgency and emotion without the aid of facial expressions or physical gestures.

Key Moments and Audience Takeaways

Both actors highlight pivotal moments in the film that leave a lasting impression. Sarsgaard recalls, "The moment that really gets to me every time I see the film is when the cameras are being switched back on and they see someone having a gun to the head on the balcony..." (10:21). This scene encapsulates the terrifying realization of the true stakes involved, prompting viewers to contemplate the profound impact of media choices on real human lives.

Final Reflections and Responsibilities

As the conversation wraps up, Peter Sarsgaard encourages the audience to consider their role in addressing societal tragedies: "I would love people to think more about addressing the situations and tragedies that are going on in their backyards." (11:41). Leonie Benesch echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the blurred lines between reporting and influencing events: "Where does the responsibility lie with reporting? When does reporting become exploitative?" (13:24). These reflections urge listeners to engage critically with media narratives and their own responses to global and local crises.

Conclusion

This episode of ALL OF IT offers a profound exploration of media ethics, personal responsibility, and the intricate dynamics of crisis reporting through the lens of "September 5th." Through the insightful contributions of Peter Sarsgaard and Leonie Benesch, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the film's themes and the enduring questions it raises about the role of media in shaping our perception of reality.