DC 9/11: Time of Crisis

DC 9/11: Time of Crisis

Year: 2003

Runtime: 128 mins

Language: English

Director: Brian Trenchard-Smith

DramaTV MovieHistory

The film chronicles the immediate aftermath of September 11, tracing President George W. Bush’s movements from the day of the attacks through his trip to Ground Zero and ending with his now‑iconic national address delivered nine days later. Produced to air just before the second anniversary, it offers an inside view of the Bush Administration during those critical days.

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Timeline & Setting – DC 9/11: Time of Crisis (2003)

Explore the full timeline and setting of DC 9/11: Time of Crisis (2003). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

September 11, 2001

The events occur on a single, defining day when the morning of attacks gives way to an aggressive national mobilization. The narrative traces the rapid pace of information, alarms, and high-stakes decisions as the country shifts from routine governance to urgent crisis management. It captures the transition from initial shock to a long-term security posture.

Location

Pentagon, Emma E. Booker Elementary School, White House, Air Force One, Camp David

The film unfolds across key U.S. government hubs, from the Pentagon’s nerve center to the White House, where crisis decisions are quickly made. It also follows the President’s movement between Air Force One and secure locations, illustrating how spaces of power shift to meet an evolving threat. These settings are portrayed as the physical stages where leadership, intelligence, and military responses converge.

🎖️ Pentagon 🏛️ White House ✈️ Air Force One 🏫 Emma E. Booker Elementary School 🏕️ Camp David

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 10:30

Main Characters – DC 9/11: Time of Crisis (2003)

Meet the key characters of DC 9/11: Time of Crisis (2003), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Donald Rumsfeld (John Cunningham)

Secretary of Defense in the Pentagon, he presses for a heightened defense posture and budget in response to escalating threats. His presence signals a practical, resource-driven approach to national security under pressure. He embodies the urgency of strengthening military preparedness during a time of uncertainty.

🛡️ Defense 🔧 Resource planning

George W. Bush (Timothy Bottoms)

President Bush is portrayed as calm and deliberate, guiding the nation from classroom safety to a decisive national response. He seeks to shield civilians from panic while absorbing alarming updates from advisors. His leadership frames a firm, resolute approach to confronting the crisis.

🧭 Leadership 🗣️ Public messaging

Andrew Card (David McIlwraith)

White House Chief of Staff who interrupts the President’s visit with the news of the attack, signaling the shift from routine duties to crisis management. He coordinates the flow of information and decision timelines, underscoring the behind-the-scenes acceleration of action.

🕒 Coordination 📡 Information flow

Dick Cheney (Lawrence Pressman)

Vice President overseeing defense and interagency coordination as threats escalate. He issues precautionary measures and directs early defensive actions, reflecting a pragmatic, hard-edged approach to security.

⚙️ Security 🧭 Strategy

Condoleezza Rice (Penny Johnson Jerald)

National Security Advisor coordinating with ministers and advisers to map strategic steps. She embodies the balance between diplomacy and security imperatives, maintaining steadiness under intense pressure.

🗺️ Diplomacy 🧠 Advisory

George Tenet (Gerry Mendicino)

Director of Central Intelligence providing intelligence assessments as agencies align their response. He helps anchor the understanding of global and domestic threats during a rapidly evolving situation.

🕵️ Intelligence 🗺️ Global outlook

Paul Wolfowitz (Stephen Macht)

Deputy Secretary of Defense contributing to deliberations and policy direction on the crisis. He aids in shaping the defense posture and strategic decisions in real time.

🎯 Policy 🛡️ Defense

Ari Fleischer (Scott Alan Smith)

White House Press Secretary shaping public messaging and communications during the crisis. He translates rapid developments into the administration’s narrative for the nation.

🗣️ Communications 🧭 Strategy

Colin Powell (David Fonteno)

Secretary of State helping calibrate diplomatic and military moves alongside security advisers. He plays a key role in shaping international responses and alliance-building.

🌐 Diplomacy 🧭 Military coordination

Robert Mueller (James Carroll)

FBI Director who oversees domestic security operations and investigations as the country shifts to a long-term security posture. His leadership signals a decisive focus on law enforcement within national security.

🕵️ Domestic security 🧭 Investigations

John Ashcroft (Gregory Itzin)

Attorney General participating in cabinet discussions to shape the domestic legal and security response. He contributes to balancing civil liberties with urgent protective measures.

⚖️ Domestic law 🛡️ Security

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 10:30

Major Themes – DC 9/11: Time of Crisis (2003)

Explore the central themes of DC 9/11: Time of Crisis (2003), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🛡️ Crisis Leadership

The story focuses on decision-making under extreme pressure, showing how leaders communicate, reassure the public, and coordinate across defense, intelligence, and diplomacy. It highlights the strain of balancing immediacy with prudence in a fragile moment. The portrayal emphasizes accountability and the burden of choosing a path under uncertainty.

🎯 Counterterrorism

The plot outlines a swift shift toward counterterrorism, including military readiness and security reorganization. It depicts interagency coordination and strategic planning as pivotal to shaping the immediate and long-term response. The narrative links intelligence, diplomacy, and defense in a concerted effort against emerging threats.

🤝 National Unity

The crisis-era rhetoric and actions emphasize unity and resolve across political divisions. The film centers on leaders presenting a steady, unwavering stance to the nation and the world. It underscores the moral stakes of choosing sides in a time of existential threat.

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 10:30

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DC 9/11: Time of Crisis Summary

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DC 9/11: Time of Crisis Summary

DC 9/11: Time of Crisis Timeline

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DC 9/11: Time of Crisis Timeline

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