To Reach the Clouds

Last year's documentary Man on Wire, superbly directed by James Marsh, is worthy of the amazing feat it presents. It details the 45 minute death-defying wirewalk of Phellippe Petit in 1974 between the rooftops of the World Trade Center almost 500 metres above the ground, and dramatisises the story and characters involved in the event. While the stunt itself is almost unbelievable, the preparations, lead up, and aftermath are equally captivating.

This is accomplished by the combination of reenactments, interviews, actual footage, and especially the soundtrack. It takes a while to get into the film, but once the twin tower 'heist' is introduced the suspense builds to a satisfying climax (see above image.)

Accompanying much of the real footage and photos taken by Phillippe's friends is a soundtrack that subtly adds to the mood and makes 90 minutes of tightrope walking surprisingly watchable. Many of the pieces are from minimalist composer Michael Nyman, whose string and piano arrangements flow behind interviews and pictures seamlessly and elevate them to an epic scale.

Time Lapse - Michael Nyman

Early on in the film we are presented with Phillippe walking on air over the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Fleetwood Mac's classic instrumental "Albatross", which makes it seem so easy.

Albatross - Fleetwood Mac

Midway through the preparations there is a bit of action, which is the perfect excuse to pop in Walter Murphy's "A Fifth Of Beethoven".

A Fifth Of Beethoven - Walter Murphy

The documentary won two awards at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, and also recently a BAFTA. Watch it for both the incredible story and the package James Marsh has bundled it in.