blk

I

Man on Wire

On August 7 (my birthday) 1975, wire walker, Philippe Petite walked across the newly built Twin Towers.

I don’t remember where I was celebrating my own big day and I don’t remember anything about this daring and gorgeous act, but I will never forget reliving this moment as I watched this riveting documentary, directed by James Marsh, with the shadow of 9/11 looming close once again.

A rag-tag group of young French and American 20 somethings planned and orchestrated, with their passion and the ’70’s spirit of adventure, Philippe’s walk across the Towers. A covert operation, under cover of night, draws a sharp contrast with the motivations of 9/11. How life has changed from the innocence of the 70’s.

The reviews for this film have been wonderful and even though Tuvia was only mildly interested he was game to join me at the small Tenafly theater, now showing 4 great flicks: Woody’s latest, Tell No One, Elegy and Man. Now that would make a great way to spend a Saturday-moving from one film to the next with a few trips to the bathroom and a few buckets of popcorn. But that was another life.

Petite is the center of Man on Wire, as he shares his memories of his daring feat. He speaks with articulate animation that is as riveting as his walk. How smart he was to document his wire walker experiences. He has stills, video of his childhood, his early days on his home made wires and the romance that he brought to his passion that he shared with his circle of friends. His passion became theirs and that’s all documented.

What’s brilliant about the work of the film’s director, is his ability to put it all together weaving interviews from Petit’s group, merging the past and present reflections.

I was immersed in this piece, realizing that the documentary genre has become my own creative passion. I have great challenges ahead: an SI piece is in the making, a wedding this weekend.

This is a film to own and study.

Wonderful!