Little White Lies magazine

i love the crazy little french man - i kissed him twice - thank you lwlies, ace film…

Written by helsbells on July 2nd, 2008 at 11:32 am

lovely film, it looked stunning, and the pay off to the tense build up was spectacular. thanks for the film, and Susology looks absolutely cracking too.

Written by Adam on July 2nd, 2008 at 1:17 pm

Film was awesome. That Petit fella has got balls the size of freakin’ watermelons!

Written by Hugh on July 2nd, 2008 at 1:22 pm

For something as simple as, well, a man on a wire, it really is an inspirational story.

I can’t quite work out why, but Petit’s quest sparked something in me — his enthusiasm for life is incredibly uplifting…

Written by Graham on July 2nd, 2008 at 1:44 pm

A documentary with a difference. The vast majority of documentaries out there are rooted in the darker side of human life and society - dedicated to exposing wrong-doing or bringing a voice to those that were previously censored. Not Man on Wire. It is a magical fairy-tale of a documentary which centres on one man’s dream and how he sets about realising it.

Petit relives one of the most extraordinary works of performance art of the 20th century and the account is perfectly captured by Marsh who presents the tale in a movie-within-a-movie fashion, with the action of That Day hurtling forward in segments as Petit’s background and previous walks are told chronologically.

However, from early on in the picture it is obvious that Petit is his own best publicist, and some of his tales may need to be taken with a pinch of salt - but ultimately, what Petit achieves and what Petit gave to so many people on August 7th 1974 is virtually unique. The finale is truly breathtaking.

Marsh also brilliantly harmonises pictures and images with Michael Nyman’s minimalist tones. It was a sublime choice because with Nyman’s music Marsh manages to lift the documentary Man on Wire to pure movie-watching joy.

Marsh’s movie subtly sets about reclaiming a lost landmark of imagination - both thrilling and profound this documentary really does reach great heights.

Written by Richard Potticary on July 2nd, 2008 at 1:46 pm

It was tres french, loved the way the film was made. Petit is magnetic and animated and the footage was so well put together, i could eat the film.

Good job on the music in the film too. It was a shame i was unable to stick around after but how superb must it have been to have the petit there too. Goos job little white lies.

Written by the other assistant psychologist at the event on July 2nd, 2008 at 1:47 pm

The film built magically to its beautiful climax. What a challenge, what a team and what an achievment.

I’ll rant and rave about this until it gets the recognition it truly deserves.

Well done Petit, well done Marsh, well done LWL we salute you.

Written by Event Psychologist on July 2nd, 2008 at 5:56 pm

Another dandy event! Great film. The click of alcohol-filled glasses. Good conversation. Tres magnificiant!

As I was telling someone else at the event, I couldn’t believe the bedrock of support that Jean-Louis and Anne provided.

Now we’ll have to sit back and see what type of reception the film gets in America. Will this be the film that helps America to move on and have a triumphant reminder of the Twin Towers glory by witnessing Petit as he sought his own glory via the towers? Wait and see.

Can’t believe this bloke has yet to fall.

Written by Deirdre on July 2nd, 2008 at 6:50 pm

I have to say it was a coup d’etat for LWL geting Man on Wire ahead of release and for free. Good job. Wonderful documentary as well; anyone know the name of the piece of music playing as they arrive on the roof at night and from where I might have recognized it?

Written by Sean on July 2nd, 2008 at 7:34 pm

Loved the film, shame I couldn’t stay and say hi. Marsh has a fantastic future, particularly if he takes his stylish visuals to the world of fiction, which he seems to want to do. The stark shots of Petit just hanging in mid air made my stomach turn. I thought he was inspirational and, perhaps, quite dangerous. Roll on Film Knights 05

Written by mattg on July 2nd, 2008 at 8:57 pm

I was impressed with the story I heard about some of the film’s content
being ‘made up’. The scene where one of the riggers takes off his clothes to feel the nylon fish wire that was shot from a bow on the other tower was made up by the director. It is not a true part of the story. I don’t understand why the director had to do that since the story is so amazing already.
It made me feel ‘cheated’ by the film maker and Petit.

Written by john smith on July 2nd, 2008 at 9:21 pm

Prior to seeing the movie I questioned whether it required a cinematic release. The Real Spiderman covered a similar story of daring or madness (delete as appropriate). However, what Marsh achieved through the comedy crime drama approach was an entertaining and moving story. Like many other viewers I left feeling elated by Petit’s love of life. However I was also melancholic at his readiness to disregard the loved ones with whom there would be no story. Bitter sweet indeed.

Written by Dan McGrath on July 2nd, 2008 at 9:53 pm

“Will this be the film that helps America to move on and have a triumphant reminder of the Twin Towers glory by witnessing Petit as he sought his own glory via the towers?!”

That’s a good point actually, I was thinking something similar as I watched. That the two towers were the stage for a really extraordinary event and that people should be appreciate that and remember it when they think of the buildings. They were after all, the object of one man’s obsession for a large part of his life.

Good film, enjoyed it.

Written by Bobby on July 2nd, 2008 at 10:58 pm

Thanks to LWL for the screening! What a wonderful film!It s an incredible story, which deserves to be shared, the story of a man true to his dream and who does whatever it takes to reach it, the story of a team willing to help him at any costs. And the result is magical. It leaves you in a kind of dream. I can definitely see why the film received the Standard Life Audience Award at the Edinburgh Film fest.

Written by TheMoviesClub on July 3rd, 2008 at 6:24 pm

Kinda unrelated, but was unsure as to where else i could explain my feelings… Last nights party was carrying huge quantities of solidity! Gracias little white pies x

Written by iChod on July 4th, 2008 at 10:15 am

Capes-o’s set rocked my world…

Written by Graham on July 4th, 2008 at 2:09 pm

Visually stunning, and a compelling story. I was left half in awe of Petit’s incredible vision and drive, and half horrified by his narcissism.

Written by Finchey68 on July 12th, 2008 at 6:43 am