Man on Wire

Man on Wire (08)
directed by James Marsh
***1/2

This is one of the loveliest documentaries I've seen in some time. Poetic, seemingly timed to the rhythm of the heartbeat, and circling round a beautiful story.

The tale of Philippe Petit, the Frenchman who pursued the vocation/artistry of high-wire walking is, appropriately, equal parts moving and tense. Narrated by the man himself, his friends and accomplices, the film develops two storylines at once. The first is an overview of Petit's life, from his early years as a street magician in Paris to the present, where he lives disjointed from his former friends. The parallel track follows the day in 1974 when he performed his most daring walk of all — between the two towers of the World Trade Center.

There is resonance in the story, not only because Philippe seems himself to be a poet, but also because of the filmmaker's patience, helping us discover the meditative quality of wire walking, and because of the subtleties here and there which remind of us of 9/11, or make us wonder what sort of unexpected rift developed between these former friends? In the meanwhile, actual footage of Petit's various walks and of his planning sessions with friends, keep things incredibly authentic and in the moment.

It's not brilliant, and it has limited value. But this film is a true beauty, and one that gets you thinking about vocation and calling in the kingdom of God (and just how broad of a range those callings might form). It gets you thinking about the American mindset that would lead our earlier generation to question Philippe at his arrest why he would walk between the towers (his response: "There is no why"). It also gets you thinking about the labor that any work of art demands, the surrender, and the willingness to sacrifice, even completely.

Comments

[Philip Oberg]

I loved the energy and emotions of this film. Also the fact that the filmmakers didn't need to bring up 9/11 (the terrorist crime of the century) as contrasted with 'the artistic crime of the century' because that would have been too overstated.

Nice review. I like that you mentioned the 'why' question as was brought up by reporters. I find it interesting that the film never asks that question. It justs presents the beauty of the event and in doing so you realize what a ridiculous question that actually is.

[John T]

Great review Will. right on the money.
I finished this one yesterday evening. Petit's story telling ability really helps in making this an interesting documentary.