The Frenchman who walked between the twin towers (and then made mad passionate love)
Tonight we saw the coolest caper film, and it was actually a documentary. It’s called Man on Wire, and it’s about Phillipe Petit, this guy who pulled off the most outlandish stunt imaginable, walking on a tightrope suspended between the two World Trade Center buildings back in 1974. The guy not only survived, but he actually showed up to the screening tonight to answer questions.
American question: How did you finance this and all your other adventures?
French answer: What is money? I don’t know about money. I just live!
All right, then.
And the title of this post is correct: Right after getting out of his short visit to jail, Phillipe was scooped up by some amorous American admirer and whisked back to her place for a . . . celebration. Which was kind of a drag for Phillipe’s girlfriend, who was still waiting for him outside the police station. Whoops.
The film was funny, exciting, nerve-wracking–not only because the two teams secretly setting the anchors and wires on the roof of each tower kept running into security guards and other complications, but because watching a guy walk on a tightrope suspended 104 floors in the air is a little heart-racing. Plus Phillipe has this little trick where he lies back on the wire and just looks at the sky. Gulp. He’s a nut, but an inspiring nut. If you ever thought your dreams were too outlandish, you need to look at Phillipe’s and how he pulled them off.
My second great find for the day was Phoebe in Wonderland, starring Dakota Fanning’s little sister Elle Fanning, who is a talented and very natural actress–unlike some child actors who are very difficult to watch because they are Acting. The film is about a 9-year-old girl who finds it increasingly difficult to control her impulses. She’s saved by her imaginative and rule-breaking drama teacher, played by the wonderful Patricia Clarkson (who was at the screening today, looking so chic and naturally glam in her jeans and black long-sleeved t-shirt. Much nicer than some of the crazy outfits worn by the young stars of last night’s teen movie–proving who has more confidence).
The film also stars Felicity Huffman and Bill Pullman as Phoebe’s parents, and I’m sorry, but I’ve always had a huge crush on Bill Pullman. Too bad he wasn’t there today.
No, I would not have pulled him aside to make mad passionate love. That only happens to Frenchmen.
And I’m not that kind of American.
Yes, I saw another movie, no, we won’t be discussing it.
That’s it for now. Early, early day tomorrow, since I wasn’t able to score tickets for the morning ahead of time. Which means we’ll be in line at 7:00, hoping to get into the new Aaron Eckhart flick–another crush. That’s why these guys get to be in movies, right?
Ta ta for now.
Technorati Tags: Sundance Film Festival, Films, Movies, Independent Films, Man on Wire, Phillipe Petit, Phoebe in Wonderland, Elle Fanning, Patricia Clarkson
January 25th, 2008 at 4:32 am
How cool that you got to meet the guy who did the crazy thing! And fascinating to learn about the crazy thing he did after that. (:
Phoebe in Wonderland sounds like my cup of tea. I’ll have to watch for that one. And Bill Pullman is ADORABLE.
January 25th, 2008 at 5:01 am
Phoebe sounds Phab. (oh, that was lame…where do I think I am? You’re talking authentic Sundance here, not silly Hollywood.) Anyhow, it does sound really, really good, and I’m with you on the child acting, Robin. When it’s good, it’s out of this world. And when it’s not, it more than bad—it’s painful.
And I’m not sure if I could watch the tightrope movie. It sounded fascinating until you said that he “lies back” on the wire for awhile. I think I would’ve lost my cookies.
P.S. Got another Sundance beautiful clothes, furniture and jewelry catalog in the mail today. Are you sure you’re not sending them?
January 25th, 2008 at 10:37 am
LOL Sounds like you had another exiting day! *envysyou*
January 25th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Wow! What a day! I can’t wait to see some of these movies that you are reporting on. They sound great! If you see Aaron Eckhart, blow him a kiss for me! YUM…He looked SO HOT in Erin Brockovich.
January 25th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Kelley, one of the things I really love about seeing documentaries here is that often the subjects themselves show up for Q & A–such an experience to treasure.
Sara, you could have handled it. Your reaction would have been more awe than whooze. I’m telling you, that film was funny because the people involved in the whole caper were so funny and fascinating themselves.
Dylan, maybe one day you’ll be here!
Shai, he is so hot, but I didn’t see him today, and that’s a whole other story. Otherwise of course I would have blown him a kiss from all of us.
January 28th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
I hope soo!
January 28th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
The picture book The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordicai Gerstein won the Caldecott Medal in 2004. Whenever I read it I am always amazed that it really happened. I would love to see actual footage! It’s just so incredible. I am so excited that you got to meet Phillipe Petit!