The Walk (2015)

“People ask me “Why do you risk death?”. For me, this is life. ” – Philippe Petit

Number of Times Seen – 1 (6 Dec 2015)

Brief Synopsis – Based on the true events of how a tightrope walker secretly arranged for himself to walk between the two towers of the World Trade Center in 1974.

My Take on it – This was actually a strange film for me to watch since it is basically an adaptation of the documentary Man on Wire (2008).

After having seen that documentary back in July, I heard of the plans to make this movie and wasn’t quite sure why it was necessary.

I was still intrigued to see what Director Robert Zemekis and actor Joseph Gordon-Leavitt could do to make this movie feel new and unique despite the documentary.

The truth is that they were able to do something here that the documentary was unable to do and that was add to suspence of the story and give us some amazing visuals of one of the most daring adventures ever done.

The slick use of cinematography and special effects makes us actually feel as if we too are walking on that thin rope between the two majestc towers.

That alone makes this movie one to watch.

Gordon-Leavitt himself is superb here as Petit (as he is in most movies) and having seen how the real Petit talks and acts from the documentary, G.L. did a great job impersonating him to the point where the accent and quirks of the character were no longer annoying.  I think he will one day manage to get an Oscar or two if he keeps acting on such a high level as he has done up until now.

These added elements make this movie a great companion piece to the 2008 Documentary and it helps fill in a few things that give us an even clearer version of the way the story unfolded.

Bottom Line – Great companion piece for the Documentary Man on Wire (2008), but if you have seen that one, you will constantly ask yourself why they needed to make this.  Great cinematography and effects help you really feel as if you are there walking with him which makes it all worthwhile to watch. Gordon-Leavitt is excellent here despite the accent getting slightly annoying here and there, but after having heard Petit himself speak, you know how great a job G.L. does impersonating his accent and mannerisms. Recommended!

MovieRob’s Favorite Trivia – Philippe Petit himself personally trained Joseph Gordon-Levitt how to walk on a tightrope. When the training started, Petit predicted that Gordon-Levitt would need no more than 8 days of training to be able to walk on a wire alone, which came true. (From IMDB)

Rating – Globe Worthy

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