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. His awe-inspiring feat turned him into a media sensation. Petit’s adventure began at a young age, when he started studying magic tricks and performing on city streets to entertain tourists. At sixteen, he discovered his passion for tightrope walking and trained in the art for a year.

One day, while waiting in a dentist’s office in Paris, Petit came across an article about the project plans for New York’s Twin Towers, along with a graphic illustration of the buildings. He immediately knew that he had to conquer them. The film follows his story and explores his motivation and ambition to fulfil his dream of walking between the towers.

The first part of Man on Wire introduces the audience to the World Trade Center. Historical footage of the construction of the towers is shown, with workers, cranes and trucks working together to build the colossal structures. It resembles a puzzle — an intricate and compelling one.

The documentary focuses entirely on Philippe Petit and does not address the events of 9/11. In fact, the attacks are not mentioned in the film, a deliberate decision given their lack of connection to Petit’s stunt. However, some viewers may interpret the film differently: Petit demonstrates that the towers could be conquered through preparation and bravery rather than military force.

Produced by James Marsh, Man on Wire contains exclusive footage from Petit’s personal collection of videos and photographs. The film goes further by reconstructing parts of the story using actors. One of the most fascinating elements is the extent to which Petit and his crew went to ensure the stunt went according to plan. Petit posed as a journalist to gain access to the roof during reconnaissance missions and persuaded an insider to forge security passes.

On the night before the walk, Petit and his partner were almost discovered by a security guard. They hid beneath a tarpaulin on a beam suspended above an elevator shaft, with a 400-metre drop below them. They waited for hours, barely daring to move or speak until the guard left. Man on Wire is filled with suspense, shifting direction when least expected and keeping the viewer captivated throughout.