In 2001, 9/11 almost permanently shelved a Michael Caine movie. He called it “the best thing I’ve ever done”

Michael Caine persuaded producer Harvey Weinstein to give *The Quiet American* another chance after it was shelved in the aftermath of the 11 September attacks. The film’s criticism of American foreign policy was seen as potentially unpatriotic at the time, putting its release at risk.

The film, starring Caine and Brendan Fraser, was adapted from Graham Greene’s novel and directed by Phillip Noyce. After a positive reception at the 2002 Toronto Film Festival, Miramax released it in cinemas that November; Caine earned his sixth Academy Award nomination and described it as “the best thing I’ve ever done”.