Response to the “Man On Wire” video

The documentary “Man on Wire” by James Marsh’s is the recognized masterpieces of cinema, nominated for “Oscar”. The film is the amazing story of a Frenchman Philippe Petit, who in 1974 surprised everyone with his “artistic crime of the twentieth century” – he was balancing on a tightrope between the twin towers for an hour.

Director James Marsh shot a documentary film dedicated to a man of great courage and bravery – tightrope walker Philippe Petit. On August 7, 1974, this adventurous Frenchman in 45 minutes walked on a tightrope stretched between the Twin Towers – World Trade Center in New York. Prior to this the tightrope walker tried walking on a tightrope on such architectural masterpieces as the Cathedral of Notre Dame and the Harbour Bridge in Sydney. Of course, walking a tightrope between the twin towers in New York was the most amazing and dramatic act of Petit. Felipe made 8 passes between the towers, doing different acrobatics (he was lying down, sitting down, getting up on one knee) at a great height without safety net, on a cable about 2 inches thick. His performance lasted over an hour. During this time he managed to walk around, jump on the rope, dance and even lie down.

The film clearly shows admiration for the man, his courage and adventurous character. I admire the courage, adventurism and excitement of this man, but most importantly is his tenacity, the will to win, as despite all the obstacles and failures, he achieved his dream! He was obsessed with this idea and would not retreat one step.

Of course, this trick could not remain without attention of authorities. Petit was tried, but under pressure from the public and the press, all charges were dropped. Petit was asked just to give free representation for children in Central Park, to atone for his “crime”. All this has become a huge sensation.



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