Review of The Walk (2015) by Jeff B — 17 Oct 2015

A technical marvel set atop a technical marvel, Robert Zemekis' latest effortlessly straddles a tightwire strung between harrowing extravaganza and light family entertainment in presenting a remarkable story that could've easily gone 'splat.' Consider the source: Man on Wire, James Marsh's celebrated award-winning 2008 documentary. Scene for scene the same story, the documentary tantalizes and captivates your mind's eye but the playing out of these real events through the whimsical lens of this director somehow steps up further thrills showcasing the human spirit. It also happens to be the most kid-friendly adult drama in a loooooong while. The film thankfully leaves the World Trade Center in a much lighter and warmer reverence than the manner in which we've framed the Twin Towers for nearly the last 15 years. Teetering between these 20th century wonders, the action of this film reminds the audience that this daring but heartfelt display captured the attention of the world and painted the steel monstrosity in a then newer light. Of course, The Walk smartly goes into the past and chronicles Petit's baby steps. Granted, even these moments get captured in 3D IMAX but it's all part and partial to a ridiculously engrossing presentation culminating atop the towers.

In this PG-rated drama based on true events, director Robert Zemekis presents the story of French high-wire artist Philippe Petit's (Gordon-Levitt) attempt to cross the twin towers of Manhattan's World Trade Center in 1974.

At the center of this presentation is Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who completely lures all involved - including us - into his impossible feat. Zemekis convincingly does away with that Frenchman's lingo early on ("I have to practice for America"). It's the impresario behind the camera of this piece that truly deserves a bow, however. After years of helming computer animation (The Polar Express, Beowulf, Christmas Carol), Zemekis returned to live action filmmaking with the very adult drug drama Flight, which rightly garnered many award nominations. The Walk accomplishes a much different - but no less award worthy - exploit. Like his most accessible and famous films (Back to the Future, Who Framed Roger Rabbit?), the melding of real-life with flights of fantastical simply astound the viewer. Here, of course, the secret and magic ends up to be wholly real and jaw-dropping by proxy.

Bottom line: Talks the Talk.