Film Review

09 January 2009 04:14 BST

Man On Wire

Directed by James Marsh, out date August 1st, starring Philippe Petit, Jean-Louis Blondeau, Annie Allix, Jean-Francois Heckel running time 94 mins.

In a nutshell...

Fearless tightrope walking on the ultimate stage

What's it all about?

Man On Wire is a documentary recounting Philippe Petit's amazing tightrope walk between the two towers of the World Trade Centre in 1974. This is no publicity stunt nor is it an illusion of any kind. It is simply the tale of how a little-know French circus performer one day sees a picture of the tallest buildings in the world and is compelled to walk between them.

Ludicrously dangerous and so illegal it's laughable, Man of Wire tells the story of one of the most jaw-dropping stunts ever recorded on film.

Who's in it?

All the main characters in the story 'play' themselves. The majority just provide their narrative of the events to the camera. Petit, on the other hand, jumps around continuously throughout his parts and improvises with what ever he can get his hands on.

As well as the interviews, there are also reconstructions of the events being described on screen, shot beautifully in black and white.

As an example...

"Jean-Louis had told me right away it was illegal. Against the law but not wicked or mean… it was wonderful." – Jean-Francois Heckel

"If you want something, nothing is impossible." - Jean-Louis Blondeau

Likelihood of a trip to the Oscars

Pretty high. The film has already received rave reviews around the globe. Man On Wire is a real critics' delight and will have film-goers purring with delight after watching it.

What the others say

"The sheer insanity of the idea is what makes this terrific film so gripping... Truly extraordinary." - Times

"Recounting the simple story of a complicated character, this scales giddy emotional heights, revealing a portrait of a man teetering on the brink, in more ways than one." - Empire

So is it any good?

There are so many things that are brilliant about Man on Wire that it would take a very long time over a considerable number of drinks to discuss them all. First and foremost, the story itself is remarkable. It's so amazing that if it was portrayed in a fictional film it would most probably be rubbished for its sheer improbability. Secondly, Philippe Petit is fascinating. A real character in every sense of the word, every time the little Frenchman is on screen your passion for him and his project grows. His endless enthusiasm is so contagious it's a surprise we haven't seen a surge in copycat artists attempting other remarkable feats. The other players in the story are all so warm and enthusiastic about Petit's achievement you find yourself completely caught up in the tale, as if you were actually one of his motley crew. The unbelievable amount of actual footage that Marsh has acquired for Man on Wire really adds to this sensation also.

Described by Petit and his gang as the "artistic crime of the century" there is absolutely no denying the beauty of the story. Some of the footage makes you shake you head in amazement and the lunacy of attempting to walk between the Twin Towers without anything but a stick to balance yourself is staggering. Its not all jaw-dropping amazement though, there are some comedic moments in the film too, particularly from the interviews with Petit's American acquaintances.

There is really no reason to bang on about how great this film is, how beautiful it is shot, how truly inspired you feel after watching it. It's about a crazy Frenchman who tightrope walks between the Twin Towers. Surely that's enough to get you booking your tickets already.

9/10

Richard James

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