(Madman)

An inspiring film about one of the greatest stunts of the last century

Evel Knievel trying to jump Snake River Canyon? Pfft! Harry Houdini in the Chinese Water Torture Cell? -meh- Jackie Chan breaking every bone in his body? Whatever … In terms of sheer spectacle for the most amazing stunt performed in the 20th Century, it’s hard to go past the 45-minutes that French tightrope walker Philippe Petit traipsed back and forth between the Twin Towers in Manhattan in 1974.

The stunt wasn’t one of those spur of the moment things, either. Petit had been climbing things and hanging off stuff since he was a child, and a chance encounter with a magazine article about the construction of the World Trade Centre galvanised the performer into action. He and a dedicated crew of supporters set about planning the event years before the building work would finish. Transatlantic site visits, mock-ups – practice, practice, practice – and a very special trip to Sydney to walk between the arches of the Harbour Bridge, and Petit and his team were ready for an assault on the as yet unfinished towers.

But Man On Wire isn’t just a straightforward documentary. Director James Marsh works closely with all of those involved to gather documentary footage, interviews and a series of re-enactments to build the tension into what amounts to an expertly crafted thriller. We may know where this is all headed, but the journey there is what makes this story so special. Alternately thrilling and aesthetically pleasing, Man On Wire is a work of art in itself.

Special Features on this DVD include an interview with Philippe Petit, an audio commentary by director James Marsh, producer Simon Chinn, and executive producer Jonathan Hewes, and the short film Sydney Harbour Bridge Crossing by James Ricketson.

****

TIM MILFULL

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