Man on Wire - 3 smiles

“Man on Wire,” an intriguing documentary that combines interviews, still photos and recreations, tells the story of Philippe Petit's 1974 high wire walk between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. At the time this event transpires, the World Trade Center was a relatively new complex, but Petit had been obsessed with them for years because, as a teen, he had seen an artist’s rendering. His ultimate goal became to stretch a wire across the two towers and traverse it. For practice, Petit performed his high wire act at Notre Dame Cathedral and on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. A great deal of preparation was needed to achieve Petit’s dream, which involved getting all of his equipment, including a 450-pound cable, into a heavily secured building. Petit also had to consider the weather at the top of the towers. There had to be enough visibility for people below to see him and not too windy that he would be blown off the wire.

A charismatic Petit, who speaks fluent English, narrates this tale of daring do and although there is no actual footage of the central event, only still photos, there is plenty of film of Petit’s preparation. In addition, there are interviews with his accomplices, including his girlfriend, and a few Americans who became involved. They provide additional insight into an amazing event connected to the Twin Towers that is not about death and destruction. For whatever reason, director James Marsh does not include Petit’s reaction to the demise of the site of his greatest triumph. Nonetheless, “Man on Wire” recounts one of the most audacious stunts of the 20th century in dramatic detail. 8/2/08