If the World Trade Centre were standing today, it’s inconceivable that a slender bloke in black ballet shoes would try to tightrope-walk between its twin towers. Yet that’s exactly what French funambulist Philippe Petit did in 1974, in what would become known as “the artistic crime of the century”. In this documentary, members of Petit’s original team of accomplices, as well as his long-suffering girlfriend, recall the events of the day – codenamed “le coup” – in mesmerising detail, while Petit himself relives each second as though it was his last.
What emerges is a portrait of obsessive determination, superhuman focus and massive, joyous lunacy. Images of the towers provide a powerful but unspoken allegory for a lost era, when characters like Petit were able to get away with dangerous and illegal stunts in a spirit of death-defying rebellion, without receiving more than a slap on the wrist. Sufferers of vertigo will watch this documentary in an almost unbearable state of tension, but even those with a head for heights will squirm at images of Petit poised on the edge of what was a 450-metre drop between towers. It doesn’t matter that Petit survived the stunt – after all, here he is talking about it 30 years later – you still anticipate a horrible splat. [source: NZFF]
I apologise, we feel bad, but there's no trailer available. ~Ed.
In 1974, young tightrope walking Frenchman Philippe Petit illegally rigged a wire between the twin towers and performed on it for an hour before being arrested. This is the story of the man himself and the clandestine operation that made a dreamer’s wish a reality, soon dubbed the artistic crime of the century. The dizzying imagery, pathos of the twin towers and the vivid way in which history is reanimated form a potent cinematic cocktail that stays with you for days afterwards.
Petit lives up to his star billing by virtue of his impassioned storytelling abilities, which are almost as intoxicating as the daring spectacle that is the film’s focus. You can easily imagine watching him gesticulate for hours on end without growing bored. He personifies every positive stereotype of the French nature that has ever been proffered. The testimonies of his co-conspirators flesh out the details so that it becomes something akin to a heist drama, adding a layer of dramatic intrigue.
Director James Marsh also deserves kudos for the significant value he brings to the screen. In particular, he handles the recreations, which comprise a hefty portion of the film, brilliantly. It’s a technique that almost always drags down documentaries, but here they are amongst the highlights. This is no mean feat when they are in competition with the breathtaking photographic records of the actual event itself. Topping it all off is a soundtrack that would make even the most big budget blockbusters green with envy.
If I was to pick a documentary to convert detractors of the genre, this is my choice. Accessible, artistic and thoroughly enjoyable, what more could anyone want?
By Andreas Heinemann, Flicks.co.nz
If you like that sort of characters (don't ask why, there is no why), check out another Frenchman called Alain Robert. He was in 60 minutes not so long ago. In spite of suffering from vertigo he climbs the highest towers, without any safety device. Who said romance was about living safe?
looking movie
Marvellous. Motivational, insirational and captivating. Couldnt help thinking of the parallels with our own AJ Hackett. dont miss this one.
Peter: Very very good, remarkable, but going in knowing his achievement lessened the experience I feel. Sally: Not really, peter. It was remarkable just to see the process he went through to get there. What a strange passion to fulfill, And to swoon a team of like minded supporters. really good viewing.
You will learn that Phillipe Petit is actually a very unusual man. This documentary is powerful because it serves as insight into a weird character. It's not just about the Twin Towers stunt, but mostly about the way in which Petit lives his life and how he succeeds or suffers because of it. Made me want to do something great.
Man on Wire is about the vanquishing of the towers by bravery and joy, not by terrorism.
Pre the events of 9/11, the film might have simply been an entertaining, high risk tale of a death-defying feat related in both interviews, archival footage and photos and Marsh's usual meticulous and creative re-enactment vignettes. Post 9/11 you find yourself marveling that a man in far away France became smitten with the twin towers long before they became the target of terrorist attacks.
This is a police procedural, if you will, about what's been called the artistic crime of the century.
Thorough, understated and altogether enthralling documentary.
Stunning doco about the artistic crime of the century.
We've been told the NZ release date for this flick is Thursday, 29th Jan 2009.
Release date: January 29th 2009.
We haven't received times for this movie in this location yet. However these are updated as cinemas announce them, so check back soon. Hopefully the lovely cinemas in your location will choose to play it shortly. ~Ed.
