Review: Man on Wire

The french truly are crazy. And at the apex the of the pyramid of madness would have to be Philippe Petit, a daring tightrope walker. And if that wasn't crazy enough, he also likes to walk across famous landmarks, including Notre Dame and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. But Philippe's dream was to go bigger. And in 1974, there was nothing bigger that the World Trade Centre. Like I said, crazy.

This acclaimed documentary follows Phillipe and his group of friends (more accurately 'disciples') who plot the event. It is very personal and exhilarating and you'll feel your pulse jump every time a guard walks into the room. But these happen oh too rarely, as most of the film is just Philippe going back and forth between France and New York. But the film does give you something to think about: Phillipe's friends are very willing to help him achieve his dream, even know they know that if he falls, they could be charged with assisted suicide or worse charges. It just makes you think: how charismatic was this man?

After I had heard all of the rave reviews (Man on Wire was is currently at the top of their Best Films List), I came out feeling a little disappointed. It was good, but definitely not  the greatest film of all time




Score: 6.5 out of 10