Tower

On August 1, 1966, Marine veteran Charles Whitman climbed to the observation deck of the Main Building on the University of Texas at Austin’s campus and began firing at the public below, killing 15 people, injuring many others, and holding the campus hostage for 96 minutes before being killed by police. The violence that was brought to the otherwise orderly environment of a college campus shocked the nation. Combining archival footage and animated re-creations, Tower brings to life eyewitness accounts of the unfolding tragedy. Occurring before cell phones, the internet, and even cable news, little documentation of the event existed beyond news crews that eventually arrived on the scene. But Maitland creates a record of incredible tension and immediacy that has the same impact, if not more, as footage shot in the moment. Originally released 50 years after the event, the Wex’s screening marks the 60th anniversary of the terrible tragedy. Tower won the SXSW Grand Jury Award for Best Documentary. (86 mins., DCP)

Please note: This film contains depictions of a violent event that some viewers may find upsetting. 

See the entire Classic American docs lineup.

IMAGE CAPTION
Tower, courtesy of Kino Lorber.