Review of Man on Wire (2008) by Killin Ø — 20 Mar 2011
"If I die, what a beautiful death!".
Philippe Petit captured the world's attention in 1974 when he successfully walked across a high wire between New York's Twin Towers. This documentary explores the preparations that went into the stunt as well as the event and its aftermath.
What the film succeeds at is taking an entire hobby many would deem suicidal and crazy, and managing to infuse the minds of the hobby's detractors with a sense of wonder and beauty that perhaps only those who engage in such activity could experience.
Though many (including myself) might initially be turned off by the films reliance on still images and reenactments of the actual event, the inclusion of video of Petit in preparation, the sheer emotional weight of the individuals being interviewed and the engaging tale of a man who wished to fly, and did, will capture the audience's imagination.
Man on Wire is inspirational, emotional, and downright hypnotic.
This review of Man on Wire (2008) was written by Killin Ø on 20 Mar 2011.
Man on Wire has generally received very positive reviews.
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