I caught up with the Oscar winner for Best Documentary Feature, Man on Wire, and I'm here to blast its goodness all over your pink parts. The movie details Philippe Petit's 1974 daring stunt betwixt the twin towers, and will tickle you pink. Or tickle your pink. Proposed tagline: "If you think you know Frenchmen - think again." Or maybe: "Where does Philippe Petit find pants with a loose enough crotch area to house his big French balls?" One more: "Philippe Petit's balls are large and he occasionally rides a unicycle." Whoa, I'm really off topic here. Let's start at the beginning.
The movie serves as an account of an amazing feat that Petit achieved: breaking into the World Trade Centre and setting up and walking a tightrope strung between the two towers. Petit refers to the event as 'The Coup', and it most definitely is. The great thing about the film is the fact that it's set up as essentially a heist film, and manages to effectively ratchet up the tension despite the audience awareness of the outcome. For those that don't know - Petit lives to tell the tale.
Man on Wire uses archival footage, old photographs and dramatic re-enactments tied together with heavy usage of talking head footage from all the involved players. Petit himself is wildly entertaining and totally exuberant. He's got a zest and joy for life that very few people ever attain, and he's a marvel to watch if only for his zany French mannerisms.
The other people that orbited around Petit and his crazy schemes are often entertaining as well. Clearly the type of people that would partake in a stunt such as this must be a little off, and at least good documentary fodder. There's not much meat to the story of Petit, and the whole film is a little esoteric in that sense. Much is left to the audience, and there's room for viewers to interpret the events however they see fit. (One such scene if a montage depicting the construction of the World Trade Centre towers; take from that what you will.)
As a parable to the strength of the human will and a testament towards leading an exciting life, Man on Wire works well. Petit serves as an engaging guide and central figure, and the film is fairly singular in its depiction of the actual 'Coup'. Also, the music deserves special mention. Moody, atmospheric, and at times soaring classical pieces evoke a wide range of emotions that the film itself often only hints at.
So, check this shit out if you like good shit. I give it four baguettes out of five. Hot shitballs! My eloquence is unparalleled! Until next time, keep your stick on the ice.
Xoxo,
Filmspurt.
