THE WALK (2015)

Genre: Drama
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ben Kingsley, Charlotte Le Bon, James Badge Dale, Ben Schwartz, Benedict Samuel, Steve Valentine, Clement Sibony, Cesar Domboy
Runtime: 2 hrs 3 mins
Rating: PG (Some Intense Sequences)
Released By: Sony Pictures Releasing International
Official Website: http://thewalkmovie.tumblr.com

Opening Day: 22 October 2015

Synopsis: Twelve people have walked on the moon, but only one man—Philippe Petit (Joseph Gordon-Levitt)—has ever, or will ever, walk in the immense void between the World Trade Center towers. Guided by his real-life mentor, Papa Rudy (Ben Kingsley), and aided by an unlikely band of international recruits, Petit and his gang overcome long odds, betrayals, dissension and countless close calls to conceive and execute their mad plan. Robert Zemeckis, the director of such marvels as Forrest Gump and Back to the Future, again uses advanced technology in the service of an emotional, character-driven story. The Walk is true big-screen cinema, a chance for moviegoers to viscerally experience the feeling of reaching the clouds. The film is a love letter to Paris and New York City in the 1970s, but most of all, to the Towers of the World Trade Center.

Movie Review:

Do not, we repeat – do not – watch this biographical drama film about French high wire artist Philippe Petit on your computer, tablet, or worse, mobile phone. The whole purpose of this highly recommended production is to see it on the big screen for its immersive visualisation of the daredevil’s walk between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Cente rin 1974. And may we say it, the best experience one can get is to watch it in IMAX 3D.

Those familiar with Petit’s tale would have heard about his death defying feat on 7 August some 41 years ago. Affectionately known as “le coup”, his stunt involved him walking 400 metres above ground, after rigging a 200 kg cable system across the TwinTowers. Using a eight metre balancing pole which weighed 25 kg, Petit pulled off a 45 minute performance, making eight passes along the wire. This happened when he was all of 24 years old.

Petit’s breathtaking coup was depicted in 2008’s Man of Wire, a documentary directed by James Marsh. The Academy Award winning film had us wondering, how captivating would such a subject matter be, to warrant a 94 minute runtime? The filmmakers managed to tell an engaging tale of the human spirit, and the film went on to take home numerous awards.

Then came this dramatisation. How would it compare to the documentary? What gimmicks were in store? Will leading man Joseph Gordon Levitt be able to pull off that French accent?

Trust Zemeckis to make a compelling film: the 63 year old American filmmaker has helmed great works like Forrest Gump (1994), Cast Away (2000) and the Back to the Future trilogy (1985 to 1990). Here, we see very good use of visual effects to immerse viewers into an experience which one can only imagine.

With Marsh’s documentary seven years ago, we could only see things from limited perspective. Now, we can watch the wire walk scene unfold from more angles. Watching the film on the big screen has an especially humbling effect on audiences, as you see Gordon Levitt’s character embarking on the walk, explaining how for the first time in his life, he is truly thankful and at peace.

Zemeckis also respects his viewers and takes on this otherwise straightforward story with an interesting approach. You see Gordon Levitt’s Philippe narrating the film atop the Statue of Liberty’s torch at the beginning of the 123 minute movie. Through flashbacks, the tale unfolds and captivates you – from how Philippe was inspired to be a wire walker, how he became obsessed with conquering the TwinTowers, how he pulled together a gang of accomplices and how he eventually succeeded with his plan after several speed bumps.

Gordon Levitt has enough charm to make you fall in love with his portrayal of Phillipe, whose charges were dismissed in exchange for a tightrope walking performance in Central Parkfor children. The 34 actor’s performance brings out the essence of being alive: whether we should live to realise our dreams. He is supported by a capable ensemble cast including Ben Kingsley as his mentor, CharlotteLe Bon as his girlfriend and Clement Sibomy, James Badge Dale and Cesar Domboy as his trusted accomplices.

Ultimately, this is a dedication to those who have fallen with the TwinTowers. Without giving away too much, the last shot of the film may make you a little teary eyed about how things have changed since that fateful day in September 2001. 

Movie Rating:

(Aided by impressive visual effects, Robert Zemeckis pulls off a feat by telling an engaging story of daring to dream big)

Review by John Li