TAKE THE WALK
Movie Review – “The Walk”
Review by Ray Schillaci
Poignant, impactful, and thrilling to no end, Robert Zemeckis has given us an early Christmas gift with one of the most joyous films of the year. “The Walk” is probably the most enjoyable and deeply felt Zemeckis film since “Forrest Gump”, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s portrayal of Philippe Petit is as engaging as Tom Hanks was as Forrest. Somehow, Zemeckis has taken a story known to many (especially how it ends) and has made it fresh, exhilarating, and full of surprises.
Petit became infamous the day he illegally strung cable across the top of the World Trade Center towers and performed his death defying high-wire act. but there is so much more to Petit’s story than just one absolutely crazy stunt. Zemeckis brings together a tale of misfits that dare to dream and attempt the impossible with an obsessive yet lovable leader to guide them into the history books. The director does well with quirky, and bringing to mind the elements that made his “Back to the Future”, “Forrest Gump” and “Cast Away” so memorable, Zemeckis embraces the insanity, and make sense of it all.
Petit tells us his story atop The Statue of Liberty, proclaiming his love, his dream, and his eventual happiness. He begins with his childhood obsession with high-wire acts at a circus in France, and eventually his becoming a street performer that puts fame ahead of fortune. He is an odd fellow that embraces his difference to others. We see his struggles, pitfalls, and what could be considered his first love interest until he sets eyes on The World Trade Center early in life.
Once Petit catches a glimpse of the twin towers in a magazine, the obsession goes into overdrive. He enlists the help of a famed wire walker, “Papa Rudy”, played eloquently by Ben Kingsley. Papa Rudy is not quick to help, but eventually is taken by the young man’s perseverance and charm. But Papa Rudy proves not to be a man with a death wish, and instills not only the importance of being an excellent performer but the respect for the wire itself. He cautions Petit regarding his reckless behavior, and is none to happy once Petit informs him of his true intentions.
We are also shown that Petit is not one to brag and hog the spotlight. He knows all to well that he’ll need a trustworthy team to achieve his dream. His quest to find this band of foolhardy warriors is an unusual trip of funny and sometimes very serious mishaps. Then there is the wonderfully underplayed love story between Annie, Charlotte Le Bon delivering a grounded and sweet performance, and Philippe. She is his biggest supporter and believer. But she also plays second fiddle to the near impossible…The World Trade Center towers.
In fact, Petit with all his love for his mates, shows little mercy as the time gets closer to performing his act. The once-cute little Frenchman becomes a near intolerable tyrant, which gives some second thoughts as to what will eventually become a criminal act. This is what gives Gordon-Levitt the edge, that makes us nearly hold our breath as they start to rig up the twin towers. Petit does eventually redeem himself with his crew while even having doubts about himself.
The last half hour of this film is a nail-biter even for those who already know the outcome, and that is largely due to the performances, the mad skills of director Robert Zemeckis, and his entire crew, including an exemplary special effects team, which is why this film is a MUST in 3D and IMAX. The sights and sounds can only be fully appreciated by the immersion that this production puts the audience through. “The Walk” (for most) will have you laugh, cry, cheer and give thanks for one of the most entertaining films of the year.
Directed by: Robert Zemeckis
Release Date: September 30, 2015
Run Time: 123 Minutes
Country: USA
Rated: PG
Distributor: SONY Pictures
