SYNOPSIS:
On August 7th 1974, a young Frenchman named Philippe Petit stepped out on a wire illegally rigged between New York's twin towers, then the world's tallest buildings. After nearly an hour dancing on the wire, he was arrested, taken for psychological evaluation, and brought to jail before he was finally released.
Following six and a half years of dreaming of the towers, Petit spent eight months in New York City planning the execution of the coup. Aided by a team of friends and accomplices, Petit was faced with numerous extraordinary challenges: he had to find a way to bypass the WTC's security; smuggle the heavy steel cable and rigging equipment into the towers; pass the wire between the two rooftops; anchor the wire and tension it to withstand the winds and the swaying of the buildings. The rigging was done by night in complete secrecy. At 7:15 AM, Philippe took his first step on the high wire 1,350 feet above the sidewalks of Manhattan...
James Marsh's documentary brings Petit's extraordinary adventure to life through the testimony of Philippe himself, and some of the co-conspirators who helped him create the unique and magnificent spectacle that became known as "the artistic crime of the century."
MOVIE REVIEW:
Who would have thought? A documentary about a tightrope walker would become one of this reviewer’s favourite film of all time? One that provides him with inspirations and motivations to live life to the fullest? At first glance, this multiple award winning documentary (2009 Academy Award for Best Documentary being the most important one of the lot) is an adventure story about a man whose hobby became a stunt that involved a wire strung between the now fallen twin Towers. But look beyond that and see the picture on a larger scale, you’d realise it is a life lesson which we are not learning, no thanks to our microscopic worldview.
It is the year 1974. The 94 minute documentary follows Frenchman Philippe Petit, who was about to become 25, as he plans to spend 45 minutes walking, dancing, kneeling, and lying on a wire he and friends strung between the rooftops of the Twin Towers. The story is told with interviews, archival footages and reenactments. Not only do you get to see how the idea was conceptualised, you get to see what kind a person Petit is, through his passions and friendships he had, and the profound changes following the walk’s success. The poignant thing is, not only affect him, this stunning act also impacted people around him in ways you’ve never imagined.
The film first grabs you with the details weaved into the storytelling. The intricate memories of the night before the walk include getting cable into the towers, hiding from guards, and mounting the wire. These encounters are vividly brought to life by the Petit and his “accomplices”. These are very interesting people, as you can see from the way they relate their tales. Sure the incident happened more than 30 years ago, but you get the feeling that it is happening right there and then in front of your eyes.
The production plays out like an exciting adventure movie too. You’d hold your breath and pray for the protagonists as they tell you how their mission almost backfired. You’d chuckle in delight as the interviewees cheekily tell their tales like eight year olds. You’d also gape in awe as Petit makes his way across the Twin Towers, which in this day and age, has a poignant presence on screen.
Still not convinced how this documentary is a stirring piece of gem? You’d then have to hear how the interviewees talk with so much conviction and belief. This faith is rightly interpreted to the greatness of their human existence. Upon reflection, you’d realise how your confidence and perseverance in all small matters of your life will ultimately translate into a human spirit which is the most valuable asset anyone can have. And such is the power of this seemingly straightforward documentary.
SPECIAL FEATURES :
This Code 3 DVD contains no extra features.
AUDIO/VISUAL:
The disc’s visual transfer is fine, and the film is presented in its original there are English and French dialogues.
MOVIE RATING:
 
DVD
RATING :
Review
by John Li
Posted on 6 November 2009
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