Man On Wire

Very few people get the opportunity to fulfil a burning ambition, especially one that involves accomplishing the near impossible, but that's exactly what the subject of this very watchable doc managed 34 years ago. James Marsh's film retells an improbable, but successful attempt to wirewalk between the Twin Towers in New York in the summer of 1974. The man that did it, Phillipe Petit, tells us his tale with an excitement that is still evident 3 decades on. Petit comes across as exactly the sort of person you'd have to be to conceive the idea of breaking into the world trade centre, bypassing security to gain access to the roof, and rig up a highwire between the two structures - and that's a slightly loopy, engaging guy with something of a death-wish. He has a passion and desire burning within and this come across in his always entertaining talking heads. Marsh intersperses these with recollections of the other team members, as well as some old video footage and a re-enactment. The whole is every bit as gripping as an intricately plotted bank heist.

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