Review of Man on Wire (2008) by Macke D — 29 Mar 2015

Philippe Petit: It's impossible, that's sure. So let's start working.

Never, in the history of the cinema, in the history of everything I've experienced, have I seen someone so passionate as Philippe. He's one of the most wonderful and energetic human beings to see in a movie, and it's all the more amazing to know these events are true. "Man on Wire" is a masterpiece. It's a documentary of wonder, joy, passion, beauty, and one of the few that speaks of experiences of The World Trade Center, without even once mentioning terrorists on the fateful day.

There comes a point in "Man on Wire" where Philippe and one of his friends (he had a group helping him sneak in, which the documentary will cover in detail) have to hide under a tarp to escape one of the guards. It's a heart pounding moment, but for whatever reason, perhaps the way Philippe explains the events, we feel overjoyed and almost excited for him. It's a feeling of innocence, even though they had been breaking in. It's child-like, and that's a perfect way to describe Philippe. He's child-like not in an ignorant sense, but more of joy. This movie is very joyous.

Documentaries are made on topics that the makers are interested in. You'll see, that when watching "Man on Wire", everyone speaking about the events are very passionate about it. It's a powerful emotion, truly. Philippe describes everything in almost Shakespearean caliber. It's absolutely beautiful, and one of the most interesting stories I've ever heard, true or fiction. It's wonderful, superb, I can just keep listing positive adjectives, and I'm sure you could too, and I'd agree with it.

"Man on Wire" is the finest documentary film ever made. "Hoop Dreams" has often been called the best, which I would definitely say is excellent, but there's something about "Man on Wire". The music, the feeling, it's a haunting movie, but it's a movie whose subject breaks the law; it's not violent, it's not cruel, it's for a wonderful reason. Philippe, at the end, is wirewalking, even at his age. A lifetime has been captured in this film. From his younger days, to the event we just love to hear about, it's all about love for what he does. "If I die, what a beautiful death!".

That's how every man ought to go: happy. Philippe survived, gleefully. He toyed with the officers waiting for him, and he balanced on of their hats on his nose. He never showed fear. While he was brave, the reason he didn't show fear was not bravery; it was his love for what he did. This is why he was put on Earth.