Norma Chester’s review published on Letterboxd:
Coincidentally I watched two films the same weekend that were completely opposite in location."The Descent"claustrophic deep underground, "Man on Wire"dizzying high above ground. The latter a documentary by James Marsh is the story about Philippe Petit,a young man who began rope walking in local fields in his native France. Starting with low slung ropes, he gradually progresses to longer and higher walks. With the help and support of loyal friends and girlfriend, he begins to plan more ambitious walks. We see how he sets about following his dreams (incomprehensible to most of us I'm sure). The sequences in which he defies authority to reach seemingly impossible places had me cheering Philippe on,e.g a walk high over a busy motorway.By chance in 1974 a TV programme catches his attention,it's poignantly the building of the Twin Towers. Philippes ultimate dream is born-walking between the towers. Again girlfriend and friends are as committed to this "foolhardy" ambition as him.We see the gradual rise of the towers and the plotting and planning of them all. The sequences in which they attempt to enter, climb with all their equipment,evade guards is both hilarious and tense. An early misty morning is the culmination of the impossible dream. From street level spectators can barely see the figure of "The Man on Wire" many feet above them who walks,sits,twirls between the tops of the towers. This engaging man had me willing him on in his endevours to fulfil his dream. Philippe did this. In many ways Philppe Petit reminds me of Quentin Tarantino,maybe the face shape, but more with the absolute conviction and enthusiasm that both speak about their next project,a lesson on how to live life.