The Looming Tower

About The Looming Tower

The Looming Tower is an American television miniseries that was released in 2018. It is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book of the same name by Lawrence Wright. The series explores the rising threat of Osama Bin Laden and Al-Qaeda in the late 1990s and tracks the rivalry between the FBI and CIA during the time. Despite being on the same team, the two institutions have conflicting methods of approaching investigations which may have inevitably set the path for the tragedy of 9/11.

Making / Production

The series was developed for Hulu by Dan Futterman, Alex Gibney, and Lawrence Wright. The series is shot in almost a documentary style, with sweeping dramatic landscapes and gripping personal encounters. Its ten-episode run was critically acclaimed for its ability to accurately portray the tension and turmoil of its subject matter.

Actors

• Jeff Daniels as John O’Neill, chief of the New York FBI's Counterterrorism Center. Daniels portrays O’Neill as a dedicated, if somewhat abrasive, agent who is determined to keep the U.S. safe from terrorist threats.
• Tahar Rahim as Ali Soufan, a Muslim American FBI agent. Rahim gives a nuanced portrayal of a man who is often torn between his faith and his devotion to his job.
• Wrenn Schmidt as Diane Marsh, a CIA analyst. Schmidt portrays Marsh as a cool and calculating professional who isn’t afraid to ruffle feathers to get the job done.
• Peter Sarsgaard as Martin Schmidt, a CIA analyst. Sarsgaard delivers a gripping portrayal of a man whose singular focus can often lead to friction with others.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The series is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book 'The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11' by Lawrence Wright.
• The real John O'Neill, whom Jeff Daniels portrays in the series, tragically died in the World Trade Center attack on September 11, 2001.
• The series was filmed in more than eight countries, including South Africa and Morocco.

Awards

The Looming Tower has received several award nominations, including Outstanding Limited Series and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for Jeff Daniels at the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards.

Quotes

• “We're at war. You need to get used to it, or you need to get another job.” - John O'Neill
• “I am telling my superiors we’re in the middle of a jihad.” - Martin Schmidt

Music, Soundtrack

• The series features an original score by Will Bates, which enhances the tension and emotional resonance of the scenes.
• Prominent songs used in the series include 'What's The Frequency, Kenneth?' by R.E.M and ‘Teardrop’ by Massive Attack.