Zemeckis adds constant CGI flourishes, as if to distract from the mundane script he co-wrote with Christopher Browne, and there’s more duty than wonder to the backstory of Petit’s relationship with his mentor (Ben Kingsley).
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The real trick, though, is that you find yourself expecting to understand exactly what you’re going to get out on that wire, yet the reality of it far exceeds that. Once you hear Petit’s story, you will agree that the film should be about his Twin Tower experience…the movie though, decides that the walk should only be the main event, stuffing the under-cards with less-than-worthy distractions. The actor actually took a few tightrope lessons from Petit in his backyard in Woodstock, New York, but his accent is not quite as convincing as his death-defying walking skills. Now, Robert Zemeckis is bringing the same awe-inspiring tale to theatres but in the form of a feature film titled The Walk. From a technical standpoint, however, “The Walk” may be his greatest accomplishment yet.
There’s no denying that Joseph Gordon-Levitt is a very talented guy.
Renowned writer/director, Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump), has delivered a touching and beautifully rendered work of art that connects with our primal human instinct and drive to explore the unknown and rebelliously stretch our limits, regardless of cost; and he pulls off this storytelling triumph in a visually stunning manner that is astounding.
And yet…and yet….I mean look at that picture of Joseph Gordon-Levitt with his back to the abyss and eyes focused heavenward, choosing to orient himself towards that which is handsome rather than towards the earthly existence to which we are all fleetingly bound. It was an ingenious stunt that required meticulous planning.
In New York City with his other accomplices, including inside man Barry Greenhouse (Steve Valentine), acrophobic Jean-Francois (Cesar Domboy) and French-speaking techie Jean-Pierre (James Badge Dale), Petit smuggles his equipment to the roof of one of the towers (security would be tighter today), and this is when the film comes to life. Here, though, they’re practically characters in the movie, and while it’s impossible to ever forget for a second the fate of the thousands who were in that tower on one of the worst days in American history, “The Walk” ends on a lovely, golden note of tribute. “I must confess, I was on the edge of my seat – not just for the wire walk, but for the whole adventure”. The hardest part about wire-walking between twin towers wasn’t just the actual walk.
Though I wanted this 3-D IMAX film, in the overheard lyrics of Sly and the Family Stone, to “take me higher”, too many visuals resembled things viewed dimly through a screen door.
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The film is rated PG-13 and opens at IMAX and select theatres on September 30th, and wide release on October 9.
