True-life documentary about Philippe Petit, a Frenchman who walked a wire strung between the Twin Towers in 1974.

CRITIQUE

Great Flying Wallendas! Here's a documentary that basically focuses on one single moment, frozen in time, as the highlight of one individual's life. It's all downhill from there... (Just kidding!)

Philippe Petit is quite a character — in fact, “charismatic” is the most accurate definition. Aside from lacking the fear gene, this fellow is a superb raconteur, whose highly animated gestures and precisely placed pauses are the mark of a showman extraordinaire.

Moreover, director James Marsh had a semi-brilliant idea to not only present the fascinating facts but also deliver them in the manner of a heist-film ambiance, like Topkapi or Mission: Impossible. Re-creatons of past events (his background as juggler/unicyclist and aerialist) are shot with doubles verite style. It is highly effective, and quite unlike TV trash cop shows that use similar techniques.

The meticulous planning that went into such a daredevil feat is a story unto itself, illuminated by Petit's dialogue and demonstration with scale models. When looking at him run a string between a pair of cardboard towers, the first impression is: “That doesn't look so hard.” All well and good for the viewer whose butt is parked on the couch... but when the footage actually peeks over the edge of the real Tower (vintage pre-9/11 footage, of course) it becomes obvious that Petit is about to pull off a world-class stunt. In actuality the event is much more than a simple stunt. It reflects the heart of a dreamer whose main ambition is not to entertain the crowd below, but somehow touch a piece of heaven itself.

Petit couldn't pull this off alone. Interviews with his “conspirators,” friends, ex-lover and NYC witnesses pepper the film while the plot (in both meanings of the term) begins to slowly boil. Like a master criminal, Petit used all manner of disguises, forged papers and distractions to achieve his singular goal. Marsh juggles the elements so deftly that after it's all over the viewer seems to have a firsthand memory itself.

Unavoidably, the 9/11 disaster makes this subject all the more poignant. Marsh barely dwells on the Towers' absence, but rather instills the stirring feelings of pride, coupled with wrenching sadness to simply watch them being built. (They weren't quite finished when the the event occurred.)

If the doc has a major flaw, it's just the running time. Some may disagree, but the story could've been told in a tighter manner.

Petit may not be a Mozart or Da Vinci yet he's definitely one of a kind, more like a poet in the air than a circus performer. The saddest part, not even touched upon really, is that this brief moment in the sky is the highlight of his life... and he knows it will be impossible to ever feel that way again.

THE VIDEO

Man on Wire is presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen, though the vintage footage appears in standard full frame. While viewing the film on a widescreen TV won't yield spectacular results, just the fact that it's on a big screen will definitely enhance the bird's eye shots (looking down). Acrophobic viewers, be warned!

THE AUDIO

Man on Wire sounds decent for a documentary. Nothing particularly special happening here. Subtitles are available in English and Spanish.

THE EXTRAS

Sydney Harbor Bridge Crossing (1973): A mere warm up.

Philippe Petit Interviews: A variety of taped interviews. Interesting.

The Man Who Walked Between Towers: An animated short, taking a children's book P.O.V.

FINAL THOUGHT

Man on Wire is not only a great documentary, but a great one to introduce the format to kids.