Man on Wire

The film Man on Wire turned out to be very different than what I was expecting. The story itself is obviously very remarkable, but the documentaries retelling and analysis of the event is equally remarkable. It's use of partially real footage and partially acted footage from Philippe Petit preparation is nearly seamless. The inclusion of the real-footage makes the acted-footage seem so much more believable and effective.

I thought the most powerful part of the film was hearing the interviewee's talk about experiencing the actual wire-walk, and also the after math of it. The fact that Petit's relationship with all of these people ended almost immediately after the event took place is really thought-provoking. On one hand, it is easy to think that Philippe Petit used these people as a means to his end, and as soon as he achieved it and reached a level of stardom he ignored them. Petit clearly thinks a little differently than most people, so it easy to point the blame at him.

On the other hand, I think that his crew is equally at fault for the post-wire-walking lack of communication. I believe that they realized, over the course of their preparation, who delusional and absorbed Petit was. I think that they stuck with it only because they had dedicated so much time, effort, and money in to the project, and they wanted to see the fruit of their own labor as well. They were able to be a part of the event and then walk away and have Petit out of their lives.

Petit's perception of wire-walking as an art form is very interesting, though I do agree with it. To me, it is the same as any form of modern exhibitionist art. It is a physical and interactive form of art. It is clear by the interviewee's reaction that seeing him performing is an extremely beautiful sight. I do wonder, however, whether random pedestrians who see Philippe in the act find it beautiful, or artistic, or if it provides them with more a thrill. I don't think their immediate reaction would be to consider this art.