Right!

Just wow.

I think the images could have worked in a variety of ways. I found them fascinating, but I think they were used to maximum effect in the doc.

Sam, your statement reminds me of how dull and ponderous this movie might have been in someone else’s hands. Fortunately for us, the chronology and otherwise uneventful footage is structurally placed and accessorized for maximum effect.

It has a lot going for it. I’m thinking of seeing it again too, although I have some other movie priorities to get to first. I definitely would like to share it with others, kind of one of those movies that you want to drag people to hoping they get as much out of as you.

Marsh politely rebutted that HND character’s criticisms, but I haven’t read the follow up.

I’ve never wanted to see a documentary a second time, but I’m all over this one. It’s another one of those situations though where i worry the 2nd time won’t be as magical….but the response of you guys gives me confidence.

Joel, I’m glad you picked out that line. It’s kind of the root of how the movie made me feel. Very spiritual, but not in an organized religious sense. Very moving and inspiring.

And seriously, when you heard about this movie, did you imagine that it could actually be moving? On top of that you have the suspense bonus plus the abundant humor that Alison points out. It pushes all the buttons that a good fiction film pushes without selling out its documentary soul.

I was deeply moved that Petit’s life seemed to change so radically once he made his wirewalk between the Towers, as though his entire life was meant to achieve that goal and once it was accomplished he had to start over again in many respects.

For me, his obsession and his quest to achieve the goal almost eclipsed the goal itself. It’s rare to see someone so aware of their life’s goal and so focused on it. I found the walk itself to almost be anti-climactic. Almost…but it was pretty amazing, can’t deny that.

I loved your comment, Craig, that he was monk-like in his calm and joy while making that wirewalk. There was something spiritual in his devotion and intensity.

I also loved the playful way Marsh treated the illegal trespass, fully in keeping with the judge’s final verdict of “community service.” and of the voice-over by Petit in re-enactment explaininmg how he miraculously averted detection and of the minute details like his keen observances of how a security guard lit his cigarette and the sound of his exhaling.

The funniest line in the documentary was the one where one of the American accomplices announces: “Yeah I smoked pot, so what? I’ve smoked pot every day for 35 years!”

LOL.

Of course for historical buffs, the film was a treasure trove of old footage chronicling the planning and construction of the ill-fated towers.

The music was lovely. A great true-life story about an amazing feat and it was told in an entertaining and engaging manner, with much humor and suspense.

And I loved how different cinematic techniques were used — but not overused — to good effect, not the least of which was suspense. The use of split screen really captivated me at a moment when, in other films, my interest may have lagged.

And the music was imaginatively chosen — whether it was popular or classical — in a way that brought me into the “zone.”

Fantastic.

And Petit was such an engaging character. He had an ego on him the size of one of the towers, but a great storyteller. So excitable even 30 years later.

And yeah, the participants getting choked up. Amazing.

Love this movie.

Even at times when Petit seemed completely nuts it was impossible not to admire his courage and inspiration. I loved the humor that was laced throughout it as well.

“World Trade Center Association—–>”

LOL.

Some douche on House Next Door walked out part way through because he was annoyed that they used music from a couple of Peter Greenaway films. Basically, his whole column was just an excuse to name drop obscure soundtracks he had memorized.

Seriously. Walked out 45 minutes in to one of the best movies of the year. http://www.thehousenextdooronline.com/2008/07/man-on-borrowed-piano-wire.html