THE WALK (2015)

This is truly spectacular filmmaking in every sense of the word while still remaining essentially a character study of Phillippe Petit, the man who walked across the World Trade Center Towers by tightrope in 1976, just as they were being completed. I personally consider this to be the bravest thing I’ve ever seen a human being do in my lifetime, since he insisted on doing this balancing act without the use of any safety lines while performing various stunts, never performed at such heights before and at the peril of his own life. Brilliantly directed by Robert Zemeckis with a screenplay by Mr. Zemeckis and Christopher Browne based on Mr. Petit’s autobiography TO REACH THE CLOUDS, only add to the visual wonders presented here. This film is really only meant to be seen in IMAX 3-D which only adds and compliments the true accomplishment of what this extraordinary artist did. What I also found so fascinating is that it truly makes every effort to understand the mindset and genius along with the incredible doubts and fears of what he was facing, since there was a 99% chance that he was going to die trying to accomplish this extraordinary feat of artistry and balance. Joseph Gordon Levitt is a shoe in for an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Philippe Petit and is Mr. Zemeckis for his direction and writing. Special mention must be made to Dariusz Wolski’s cinematography and Alan Silvestri’s magnificent score all of whom should be remembered at Oscar time. Films like this are why we go to the movies and make me proud that they are still being produced.