MAN ON WIRE is director James Marsh’s document on the efforts, execution or effects of Frenchman Philippe Petit’s tightrope walk across the twin towers in NYC. 

Marsh traces meticulously the set-up with Petit spending months in New York planning with his accomplices.  Marsh has assembled quite an impressive footage of the man’s works (using newsreel, home movies, stills) coupled with interviews taken with Petit as well as those who have known or crossed his path.  This effectively paints a picture of a man – so different from others.  Yet Marsh aids his audience understand the complicated human being from testimonies, especially those from his faithful girlfriend, Annie Allix and best pal, Jean-Louis Blondeau.  The film also takes a disturbing as his betrayal and change of characters changes as a result of his sudden rise to fame after the feat.

Marsh’s film starts off slow as a regular documentary but his pacing and focus on Petit pays off.  When Petit walks the wire, the film soars to exhilarating heights.  It is just as if Marsh’s subject has hit his adrenaline high.  Marsh is also wise not to mention any of the 9/11 which was yet to occur.

MAN ON WIRE caused quite the stir at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival garnishing both the Grand Jury and Audience Prizes in the documentary section.  The film is based on Petit’s book “To Reach the Clouds”.