'Man on Wire' is shot in a documentary style, with interviews with Phillipe himself as well as the friends who helped him plan and carry out his long held dream and adventure. Phillipe comes across as quite an odd and eccentric character - which I suppose you would have to be to take on such a dangerous challenge!
The tightrope walk had to be done in complete secrecy which was particularly difficult given the amount of heavy cables and rigging required. There was also the added challenge of getting through security - which miraculously they managed to do although there were a few close calls.
There is a slightly random love scene thrown into the film near the end which I don't think really adds much or was necessary to the story, as Petit's eccentricity and sheer madness comes across pretty strongly through his own narration.
The bravery of Petit and his friends and the huge risk that they all took is what I find inspiring - their ability and determination to push boundaries and carry out such a dangerous task for the sake of art.
When you watch the clips of Phillipe dancing on the wire - you are able to appreciate his talent and prowess of his dancing. The fact that he could have so easily died for the sake of a dance just adds to the beauty. The walk was a fleeting moment of risk and for me really highlights how sometimes taking huge risks can lead to something amazing.
"Life should be lived on the edge of life. You have to exercise rebellion: to refuse to tape yourself to rules, to refuse your own success, to refuse to repeat yourself, to see every day, every year, every idea as a true challenge - and then you are going to live your life on a tightrope" - Phillipe Petit
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