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Captivating and, at times, intense. The Walk is definitely worth a watch.

The Walk starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt follows the story of Philippe Petit and the events leading up to his infamous walk across The Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in 1974.

By Jay VergaraPublished 6 years ago 2 min read
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The Walk starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt follows the story of Philippe Petit and the events leading up to his infamous walk across The Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in 1974. It's a look at the man himself and his beginnings as a high-wire walker and how his obsession came to be. He calls this obsession "le coup" and speaks about it like it's a revolution in art. To him, this highly dangerous and highly illegal act is the pinnacle of his art and he pursues it relentlessly.

The film does a good job of conveying this drive chiefly through Joseph Gordon-Levitt's standout performance. He nails the French accent and the attitude of a man bursting with confidence that teeters the line of arrogance. Overall, his character is likable and possesses a certain humor that endears him to the audience.

The film may feel slow to some, as the majority of it can be chalked up as a prologue leading up to the famous walk itself. Luckily, there's a good amount of humor and fun-filled moments to keep the story going until we get to the big day. This is where the film excelled, and where catching the full IMAX experience gives the audience a real sense of perspective. The shots done from high elevations really give you a sinking feeling as the camera pans down. There's a particular scene where our protagonist walks to the very edge of an I-beam jutting out from the edge of the roof. He looks down and you're given a good look at just how high up he actually is. The walk itself is rife with tension as Petit makes multiple passes across the the wire - again, a must in IMAX.

Overall, I enjoyed the film. The story itself is captivating with a healthy mix of humor and tension. However, the 3D took me out of it every now and again. It made me dizzy here and there if I looked at it from the wrong angle. Other than that, the film is engaging and a fun watch, even for those that have no idea who Philippe Petit is. If you have a fear of heights, this movie might be a tough watch at certain times. I personally left the theater with sore stomach muscles from all the anxiety and nervous clenching. A true high-wire experience.

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About the Creator

Jay Vergara

I'm a SoCal based photographer and freelance writer with a love for everything nerdy.

Follow me on Instagram at Mediumblast and Twitter on @medivmblast

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