Head in the Clouds: Man on Wire

A few days ago, I rented Man on Wire. It’s a 2008 documentary about Philippe Petit, a high wire artist who, in 1974, walked between the World Trade Center roofs, some 415 meters off the ground. Upon hearing about the film, I thought it’d be exciting, but I quickly found out it’s a documentary.

Fear not, Carriers of the Rod, for this is not your grandfather’s BBC or CNN-style documentary. This film cleverly incorporates elements from Petit’s own recordings of his antics from the early seventies, up to, and including that eventful day in the August of ’74.

Petit himself narrates most of the film as his present-day self, so you already know what happens, as far as his near-death experiences goes. The film, however, finds a way to keep the viewer on pins and needles for the duration, making it a must-see. This is easily one of the best films I’ve seen in a while. Rod certified.