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Man on Wire

A look at tightrope walker Philippe Petit's daring, but illegal, high-wire routine performed between New York City's World Trade Center's twin towers in 1974, what some consider, "the artistic crime of the century".

7.7

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Madison
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“Man on Wire” is a 2008 documentary directed by James Marsh, chronicling the incredible true story of Philippe Petit, a French tightrope walker who performed a daring walk between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in 1974. The film follows Petit’s obsession with walking on a wire between the newly constructed towers. It details his years of planning, training, and the elaborate scheme he developed to execute the stunt. Through interviews and archival footage, the documentary reveals the challenges Petit faced, including securing equipment, assembling a team of accomplices, and evading security. The climax of the film focuses on the day of the performance, where Petit walks across the wire multiple times, showcasing both his artistry and the breathtaking height of the towers.

“Man on Wire” is a gripping and visually stunning documentary that not only tells the story of an iconic event but also explores the depths of human ambition and creativity.

Director: James Marsh
Writers: Philippe Petit
Stars: Philippe Petit • Jean François Heckel • Jean-Louis Blondeau
1hr 34m
PG-13
2008
BiographyDocumentary
Entrepreneurship, Freedom, Perseverance, Self-Reliance
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Madison Takes

“Man on Wire” offers an inspiring tale of ambition and creativity that aligns with values of individualism, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.

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