Matthew ShallueMan on Wire
Starring: Philippe Petit
Director: James Marsh
Running Time: 94 Minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Documentary
Awards: 2009 Academy Awards: Best Documentary Feature; 2009 BAFTA: Best British Film
Man on Wire follows the story of Philippe Petit during his quest to walk on a high wire from one World Trade Center tower to the other during their final construction in 1974. The real story is of how Philippe and his friends managed to gather the intelligence to figure out how to pull off this feat, without being discovered. The level of determination and resolve shown is remarkable.
Vintage footage is interwoven with black and white recreations of events, and combined with interviews of Philippe and his friends. The story moves forward towards the main event, only to frequently pause and revisit past details of how different parts were planned and researched. Each section is narrated by the people involved and explained with the nostalgia of someone remembering the fondest, most defining moments of their lives. Subtle details make this film come alive, like how while snooping around the one of the off-limits areas, Philippe, steps on a nail, driving it into his heal. Now on crutches Philippe first thinks that his plans are over. He soon realizes that his injury is a blessing, as people take pity on him inside the towers, not asking him for identification or where he is going.
The score for Man on Wire is excellent. The simplicity of each song and melody illustrates each scene perfectly. At times you have a feeling of weightlessness as you watch the events unfold. A carefree attitude, hangs in the air as you watch this group of people plan an event that could end in death. This is mirrored with moments of reality, like the when Philippe and a friend sneak their way onto the observation level with winds so strong, they have to hang on to pillars, for fear of being blown off.
The reflective moments in the closing minutes of the film chronicle how the events have changed the friends inside, and the relationship with each other. At its heart Man on Wire is true life documentary of friends, love and the lengths that people will go to when they believe in someone.
Trailer by Magnolia Pictures
Director: James Marsh
Running Time: 94 Minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Documentary
Awards: 2009 Academy Awards: Best Documentary Feature; 2009 BAFTA: Best British Film
Man on Wire follows the story of Philippe Petit during his quest to walk on a high wire from one World Trade Center tower to the other during their final construction in 1974. The real story is of how Philippe and his friends managed to gather the intelligence to figure out how to pull off this feat, without being discovered. The level of determination and resolve shown is remarkable.
Vintage footage is interwoven with black and white recreations of events, and combined with interviews of Philippe and his friends. The story moves forward towards the main event, only to frequently pause and revisit past details of how different parts were planned and researched. Each section is narrated by the people involved and explained with the nostalgia of someone remembering the fondest, most defining moments of their lives. Subtle details make this film come alive, like how while snooping around the one of the off-limits areas, Philippe, steps on a nail, driving it into his heal. Now on crutches Philippe first thinks that his plans are over. He soon realizes that his injury is a blessing, as people take pity on him inside the towers, not asking him for identification or where he is going.
The score for Man on Wire is excellent. The simplicity of each song and melody illustrates each scene perfectly. At times you have a feeling of weightlessness as you watch the events unfold. A carefree attitude, hangs in the air as you watch this group of people plan an event that could end in death. This is mirrored with moments of reality, like the when Philippe and a friend sneak their way onto the observation level with winds so strong, they have to hang on to pillars, for fear of being blown off.
The reflective moments in the closing minutes of the film chronicle how the events have changed the friends inside, and the relationship with each other. At its heart Man on Wire is true life documentary of friends, love and the lengths that people will go to when they believe in someone.
Trailer by Magnolia Pictures
