TEHRAN – The 2015 biographical drama film “The Walk” by American director Robert Zemeckis was screened on Sunday at Aras Baran Cultural Center in Tehran.
The screening of the film was followed by a review session attended by Iranian critic Kourosh Jahed.
“The Walk” tells the extraordinary true story of French wire artist Philippe Petit, who in 1974 organized the daring walk between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center.
The story begins in Paris in 1973. Young Philippe Petit has an almost obsessive dream of being a street performer. During a visit to the dentist’s office, he noticed a magazine photo of the Twin Towers and was struck by their towering grandeur. Inspired, he begins planning a tightrope walk between these iconic skyscrapers. This idea will drive him crazy next year. Meanwhile, Philip faces disapproval from his family, especially his father, who disapproves of his unconventional career choice as a street performer. Despite this, Philip’s passion remains unwavering.
He returns to the circus, the environment that first sparked his passion for wire walking, and hours later practices vigorously on the big top. His skills impress Papa Rudy, a veteran circus performer, and Philip respectfully asks for advice on tying and rigging techniques essential to his ambitious project. Rudy recognizes Philip’s determination and agrees to help him, making a plan to run cables around the Twin Towers.
During this period, Philip meets fellow street performer Annie, who becomes his romantic partner and strong supporter of his dreams. She understands the importance of his quest and helps him practice and gives him encouragement. The two also befriend Jean-Louis, a photographer who is fascinated by Philippe’s bold ambitions. Jean-Louis becomes an integral part of the team, capturing the moments of their plans and final execution. He introduces Philip to another accomplice, Jeff, who is afraid of heights but is essential to the operation.
Plans begin to take shape as Philippe and his team devise an ingenious way to route the cables through the tower. They decide to fly a cable from one tower to another using a bow and arrow tied to a fishing line. Despite initial failures, including a fall into a lake due to anxiety and a failed attempt, Philippe gained confidence and experience by successfully walking between the towers of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. His perseverance pays off when he accomplishes a feat that earns him accolades and international attention, but he also ends up getting arrested in the process.
Building on their success in Paris, Philippe and his team travel to New York to execute the main event. They carefully scout the scene, disguise themselves, and time their attacks. On the eve of the walk, they face numerous challenges, including delays, security guards, and the danger of dropping heavy cables from the top of the tower. Nevertheless, they managed to string the cable and install the wire. On August 6, 1974, Philip stepped onto the wire and began his walk, feeling a mixture of nervousness and unwavering determination.
Philip describes a transcendental experience once connected to the wire. Everything around him disappears, leaving only the wire and himself. He strides confidently from tower to tower to cheers from the crowd below. Sometimes they are so overcome with emotion that they kneel, lie down, or even dance on the wires. The police arrived and threatened to use a helicopter to take him out, but Philip persisted, coming and going several times during the 45-minute performance. His daring culminates in six crossings, each bolder than the last, culminating in an extraordinary act of human courage and artistry. When he finally makes it down the mountain, he is arrested, but his bravery is recognized and he receives commendations from police and construction workers alike.
The film ends with Philip choosing to remain in New York, where he is given a special pass to the observation deck of the Twin Towers, symbolizing the lasting impact of his exploits. Meanwhile, Annie decides to return to Paris to pursue her musical dreams. This story emphasizes the themes of perseverance, daring, and pursuing your dreams against all adversity. The film recognizes the tragic loss of the iconic tower between which Philip once walked, and is dedicated to the victims of the September 11 attacks.
“The Walk” was praised for its stunning visual effects, which vividly recreated the 1974 skyline and Philip’s daring walk. The film was nominated for several awards, particularly for outstanding visual effects.
SAB/