(Life Through the Lens - Photo Illustration/MetroCreativeConnection)

“Remember that you’re not the bridge.”

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In the wake of the 9/11 disaster, the question was asked: how much is a life worth? When all was said and done, a government-sponsored fund was created to assist the grieving. The fund was tasked with helping families move forward after their loss… but the question remained: how much is a life worth? How can you decide a person’s monetary value? If a family lost a CEO mother, should that family receive a higher payment than a family that lost an entry-level mother? Weren’t they both loved? Weren’t they both in possession of a lifetime of memories? Is every human life equal?

BUT… does one’s living worth not entitle them to greater worth in death? Doesn’t a family missing a CEO mother have a larger financial hole than a lost secretary mother? Just based on the numbers?

The fund, led by Ken Feinberg (Michael Keaton), decided that a formula would best serve its clients. No emotion — no exceptions — just figures. Needless-to-say, this was met with…resistance. There is no easy answer when it comes to assigning WORTH.

As the fund wanes and threatens to implode, Feinberg is given sage advice: take the time to see how every situation is unique and every need is personal. This advice, when finally accepted, creates immense empathy and widespread understanding. The fund is embraced and lives are changed!

Another piece of advice stood out to me, though. Charles Wolf (Stanley Tucci) lost his wife in 9/11 and was the most outspoken and clear-headed of the fund’s opposition. He went as far as to rewrite it himself and create an active social presence to speak-out against the issues with the fund. When Feinberg admitted his difficulties and the imminent defeat of the fund to Wolf, Wolf delivered this advice: you are not the bridge. Wolf went on to explain: when Wolf was a bit younger, he grew to love a local landmark. This bridge was old, unsafe… but dang if it wasn’t beautiful. Rather than see it demolished to build a highway, Wolf made it his personal mission to save that bridge. He joined the city council, petitioned like crazy, and gave all his spare time to the preservation of something he had grown to love… only to see it demolished for that dang highway.

After a period of mourning, Wolf’s wife offered him that same advice: you are not the bridge. The bridge was destroyed… but you weren’t. The bridge was underappreciated and forgotten… but you aren’t. The bridge may have stirred something in him, but the bridge is gone… you are not. There can be life after the bridge.

I recognize the significance of this advice. Instead of venturing to explain 9/11 and its horror, the movie Worth, instead, focuses on the recovery and restoration of the survivors. There is no resurrection of that “bridge” — that bridge has been devastated. There is, however, solace in the truth that we are not the bridge. We can get lost in the wreckage, when, in reality, we are not the wreckage.

Know this: you are not the bridge.

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Worth is a movie with honest intentions and a story worth telling… but it never achieves anything above “pretty good.” It is predictable in its approach and underwhelming in its execution. I see definite aptitude with director Sara Colangelo, but I don’t see much “style.”

Michael Keaton does well as Ken Feinberg. He is a wonderful and consistent performer. He is usually my favorite part of whatever movie he appears in! I don’t feel this role offered him much more than the typical “I’m a cold guy — people don’t matter — change of heart — now people matter” type of role… but he gave it his all. Stanley Tucci is effective as Charles Wolf, delivering the change. Amy Ryan is also notable as Camille Biros, Ken’s law partner.

In the end, there is humanity and hope… even in the aftermath of hatred and hurt.

Worth can be streamed right now on Netflix.

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REPORT CARD: Worth

Grade: C.

Comment: A good story but only a pretty-good movie