Man on Wire (2008)

“Man on Wire” is many films in one: Heist-like flick, a stunt film that makes “Jackass” seem quaint as Quakers, a documentary with talking heads, and a history/celebration of the World Trade Center and American inspiration. The story is true: In 1974, French daredevil high-wire artist Philippe Petit and some co-conspirators scammed their way inside the world’s tallest skyscrapers, and for some 45 minutes, Petit traipsed a wire strung between the two buildings. The plan was and is mind-shattering; the images – the reality – more so. Director James Marsh lays out a brilliant film, using interviews, old film, still photos, printed police reports, TV snippets, brilliantly acted reconstruction and even animated maps, to tell this tale. Petit is mesmerizing, and his surname ironic. This heroically foolish guy stood on air in the middle of the Twin Towers. Amazing! Marsh never mentions 9/11. Thank God. Why give homage to mass killers? This is a celebration of life, lived on the edge, and between the edges. A