Wire Walking to an Oscar
In 1974, Philippe Petit and 5 accomplices snuck into the World Trade Center towers 1 & 2. Under the cover of darkness they strung a cable between the two buildings. After the morning light of dawn arrived, Petit began walking on that wire. He proceeded to wirewalk, at over 1,300 feet, between the buildings 8 times. Upon returning to the roof of tower 1 he was promptly arrested. This documentary is the story of his life and of the planning, staging and results of this daring adventure. A fantastic film that you might have missed!
Film maker James Marsh does a wonderful job of weaving interviews, home movies, recreations and archival footage to tell this fascinating tale. In some ways it plays like a “heist film”. Planning and executing such an illegal event has its own thrills. The film that Petit and his team took from the top of the towers is worth the price of admission alone. Marsh and editor Jinx Godfrey do a wonderful job of weaving this tale for our benefit. But it is wirewalker Petit that is, of course, the star. He tells the story with a joy that was gained by being free from the Earth as he walked that wire. While few of us could make that walk, many people can empathize with the feeling of freedom and jubilation.
2008’s ‘Man on Wire’ won the Oscar for Best Documentry in 2009. Deservedly so! It is also the only movie to win that Oscar along with the “Big Four” critics awards (LA, NY, National Film Society, National Board of Review). Additionally, it won the BAFTA for Best Film and the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance. Audiences and critics love this film. So do I. Petit wrote a fascinating book entitled “To Reach the Clouds”. If you find the documentary interesting I suggest you give the book a read. ‘Man on Wire’ is currently available, for free, on both Pluto and Tubi.
Side notes: 2015’s film ‘The Walk’ starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt is a dramatic telling of this tale. Also, Petit was given a lifetime pass to the observation deck at the twin towers by the Port Authority. Finally, in a rare occurance, ‘Man on Wire’ has a 100% approval rating among critics on Rotten Tomatoes.