Man on Wire

Man On Wire relates the true story of Philippe Petit’s famous high-wire walk between the World Trade Center’s twin towers on August 7th, 1974. This awe-inspiring feat turned Petit into a media sensation.

Petit’s adventure started at a young age when he began studying magic tricks and performed on the city streets to entertain tourists. At sixteen, he discovered his passion for tightrope walking and trained in the art for a year. Then, one day, while waiting in a dentist’s office in Paris, Petit came across an article about the project plan for New York’s twin towers along with a graphical illustration of the buildings. He suddenly knew that he had to conquer them. The film follows his story and explores his motivation and ambition to fulfil his dream of walking across the towers.

The opening scenes introduce viewers to the World Trade Center with historical footage of its construction. Workers, cranes, and trucks collaborate in the monumental effort to assemble the towers, depicted almost like a giant puzzle coming together.

Produced by James Marsh, the documentary blends exclusive footage from Petit’s personal collection of videos and photos with reenactments of key events. This mix brings his story vividly to life. The film highlights the meticulous planning behind the stunt. Petit and his team went to extraordinary lengths to pull it off, including posing as journalists to gain rooftop access and convincing an insider to forge security passes.

One particularly tense moment comes the night before the walk. Petit and a partner were nearly discovered by a security guard. With no other option, they hid under a tarpaulin on a beam perched above an elevator shaft with a 400m drop beneath them. They waited for hours, daring not to move nor breathe a word until the guard left. The film is filled with such suspenseful moments, keeping viewers on edge as the story unfolds.

Importantly, Man On Wire focuses solely on Petit’s story, making no reference to the 9/11 attacks. This deliberate choice keeps the film centered on his achievement rather than the later tragedy. It’s a decision that allows viewers to appreciate the towers as symbols of creativity and human potential. However, some may see Petit’s feat as a metaphor, proving that the towers could be “conquered” through preparation and courage rather than violence.