Zero Dark Thirty And Newtown

What’s the line between a national tragedy and private memories of a loved one? Jenny Wilson explores the complicated question in a Courant story.

“I think we’ll be here all day,” Brad Fetchet said from his office in the South Tower, an hour before the collapse. “I’m not sure if the firm is going to shut down for the day or what. But ah ….give me a call back later. I called Dad to let him know. Love you …”

This year, Fetchet’s parents were devastated when their son’s final words were broadcast to movie audiences during the opening scene of “Zero Dark Thirty.” The filmmakers used their personal recording without asking permission, which is legal.

“We felt so violated,” said Frank Fetchet, Bradley’s father. “It’s such an emotional topic. To think that we were just used … just seemed so wrong.”

Public interest in a tragedy often causes further distress for those directly affected, illustrating the emotional impact of America’s broad free speech laws on people like the Fetchets as well as those who lost children, family and friends in the Newtown school massacre.

Watch a CBS report below.