Review of the movie Walk. At an altitude of 400 meters (Topic)

"Walk" by Robert Zemeckis – this is a cross between a rather ridiculous pantomime and a biographical movie, in all its glory showing tightrope walking as a skill, but never finding words to explain what the art is. It is ironic, however, that Zemeckis himself uses skill on the contrary to only emphasize the art in his movie, and does not hide behind a chroma key, like a wizard from the Emerald City behind his curtain. The tale of French artist Philippe Petit balances skillfully, if not perfectly, between captivating visuals and soulful content. The only question is, what does he lack?

In 1974, Philippe Petit, then already quite famous for walking the tightrope between the towers of Notre Dame Cathedral, came to New York with the sole purpose of: pull the cable between the just completed towers of the World Trade Center and walk along it, making a mandatory bow to the audience. If you don't know how this story ended, an incredible and intense adventure awaits you. On the other hand, if you know, then “ Walk ” may seem to you in some places too long or even boring.

The action begins in France and shows not only how Petit got sick with the idea of twin towers, but to his annoyance and how he began to walk on a tightrope, and how met his teacher, and how he was kicked out of the house, and how he met friends who later helped him in his venture. Only with the arrival in New York does the action gain momentum, focusing on the absurdity of Petya's dream and its seeming unattainability. Here the main lesson of Zemeckis appears: follow your dream, no matter what obstacles stand in the way. A very nice message, probably firmly connected with the fate of Zemeckis himself.

However, for some reason, the movie does not seem personal or heartfelt at all. It can be interpreted as a love letter to New York or specifically to the twin towers, which were treated with due respect, but in the very “ walk ” not even a fraction of the significance that she undoubtedly represented for Petya himself is felt. Zemeckis relieves the movie of any pretentiousness, but due to this, it practically kills all emotionality, completely relying on heart-stopping bird's-eye views. And this despite the fact that the director made a conscious choice to entrust the narration to Petit himself, who for some reason stands on the torch of the Statue of Liberty and tells us about his adventures from there. The move is not only cheap, but also constantly pulling out of the movie.

One cannot fail to notice a certain simplicity of the script, which is essentially a traditional approach to adapting someone's biography: a straightforward plot with mostly standard phrases and, most importantly, a completely unchanging selfish protagonist in the person of Philippe Petit. Plainly and it is not clear why we are following the fulfillment of his dreams, and on someone else's. Just because he managed to climb so high?

The actors try to ground the movie, but while Ben Kingsley and Charlotte Le Bon play realistically and weighty, Joseph Gordon-Levitt paints Petit in an annoyingly loud, overly expressive and at times surprisingly ridiculous. Levitt is so distinguished by his mannerisms that he sometimes looks like his own hand-drawn version (not least due to the conspicuous makeup and wild accent). It looks like a cartoon, which, by some stupid accident, has slipped into a feature movie.

Against the background of such a game, everything else looks impressively realistic: from visual effects to design of clothes and premises. Zemeckis is not only easily transferred to forty years ago, but also reminds of his own classics. Petit is somewhat similar to "Forrest Gump", and Alan Silvestri has not changed his warm, dramatic, but optimistic approach to notes (plus or minus it is up to everyone to decide). However, this time neither Petit, nor Sylvestri, nor all together are touched, because there is very little meaning behind the brilliant form. br />
Therefore what is missing “ Walk ” so this is the actual content. This is a very non-laconic story about an act, the essence of which could fit into a short movie. Stretched out for two hours, it seems to be losing its significance, because all these long preparations, dangers, risks and problems come down to one, in turn, prolonged performance under the very clouds, which surprised everyone, yes, but no more. Even the final attempt in the last minutes to give Petya significance looks rather pathetic and overly melodramatic. You seem to be watching something amazingly done, but it in no way touches or touches you.

But IMAX deserves a short lyrical digression, which, if you are going to watch this movie, is definitely worth paying for. Only he makes you feel the adrenaline in the final act.

“ Walk ” surprises only at the end, actually sending the viewer away to follow their own dreams. After all, really admiring others is not at all as interesting as performing your own. So if you need motivation, look at Petya's story, and also evaluate how much he pulled out of it (book, documentary and full-length movies), and then follow your desires. Don't live like strangers.

The Topic of Article: Review of the movie Walk. At an altitude of 400 meters.
Author: Jake Pinkman