'Man on Wire' review

Philippe Petit in "Man on Wire" (Credit: Magnoila)

In 1974 French tightrope walker Philippe Petit boldly (or insanely) performed an illegal high wire act between the twin towers of the World Trade Center. This documentary explores that stunt, and the complicated process involved in pulling it off, through interviews with Petit’s admirers, accomplices and associates, as well as the man himself.

Big question: Is it possible to make an inspiring and entertaining documentary about an illegal act at the World Trade Center?

Catch it: Director James Marsh, who vacillates between documentary and narrative films, approaches the story as if he was crafting a dramatic heist film, and that makes "Man on Wire" a documentary every bit as entertaining and rebellious as the real life figure at its center.

Skip it: If you're expecting an original score by ace composer Michael Nyman ("The Piano"). His musical contributions to the film primarily consist of previously composed tracks, including many written for films by Peter Greenaway.

Bottom line: Although unlikely to reverse the trend of disappointing documentary box office, this true story packs enough suspense, surprises, humor and insights into humanity to make it undeniably worth seeking out. And the breathtaking sense of wonder once Petit makes it to the top of the Towers turns a clever caper riff into a transcendent meditation on what it means to achieve the "impossible."

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