5. September Dawn
September Dawn is a rather controversial film that depicts the 1857 Mountain Meadows massacre, which resulted in the mass slaughter of emigrants by members of the Utah Territorial Militia, composed largely of Mormon settlers. The film intentionally draws a parallel with 9/11 - given this film's rooting in religious extremism - which has made many feel queasy from the outset; separated by over 140 years, can the two
really be firmly compared, other than for the fact that they both took place on the same day? Director Christopher Cain did research the events of the period, though takes a viewpoint that contradicts much historical literature, suggesting that Mormon leader Brigham Young
did authorise the slaughter. Though Jon Voight received acclaim for his performance, the film was otherwise summarily dismissed as glamourising the massacre, while failing to offer any insights into religious extremism.