Director: Robert Zemeckis
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ben Kingsley and Charlotte Le Bon
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actors in Hollywood have managed to get a fan following as big as Josep-Gordon Levitt. Ever since his rise to recognition during the 1990’s, Gordon-Levitt has made powerful movies. Whether it’s doomed lovers, dedicated bike messengers or political leaders, Gordon-Levitt has portrayed several strong characters. Arguably, Gordon-Levitt’s finest strength as an actor has always been his strong commitment towards his craft. He is one of those stars that has always had an aptitude for stealing show in supporting roles with a limited screen-time. Even when he isn’t the main focus of a movie, Gordon-Levitt has commonly left long-lasting impression. Through his capabilities to portray bold characters that are compelling, Gordon-Levitt has built a bold legacy which is lasting. Throughout his enduring career, Gordon-Levitt has made many unforgettable movies which are worth talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Gordon-Levitt and adore all the movies which he has created in his career. However, “The Walk” is definitely my favourite. Released back in 2015, Robert Zemeckis’ film offered a beautiful tribute towards a high-wire artist in history. Packed with strong production, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the finest movies ever made about high-wire artists. At a centre of it all is a great role by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who portrays a high-wire artist seeking to change the course of history. Ultimately, what makes “The Walk” a timeless classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about high-wire artists, it tackles strong themes which everyone would relate to. A mesmerizing masterpiece about a high-wire prodigy, there are countless reasons why “The Walk” is a commemorate movie that is worth seeing.
Based on true events, “The Wire” tells a story of a high-wire artist which crossed twin towers changing history. Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Philippe Petit, a French high-wire artist drawn towards performing stunts that are dangerous. Philippe has always been passionate about his job of performing stunts that involve immense danger. However, Philippe’s life changes when he is given the intense task climbing the World Trade Centre. Faced with a high-wire act that is life-threatening, Philippe begins questioning whether his goals are truly worth pursuing. As all the odds are stacked his favour, Philippe is forced to question whether he can perform an anxious stunt that entails an immense amount of pressure. Faced with a high-wire act which is dire, Philippe questions his love for a job he used to admire.
Robert Zemeckis is a newcomer toward stories of high-wire artists. Before he had made “The Walk”, Zemeckis had never made a film about high-wire stunts before. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the lives of artists that perform high-wire stunts causing catastrophe, but he succeeded immensely. Zemeckis deftly uses handheld camera to capture the lives of high-wire artists performing dangerous stunts causing a dilemma. For instance, the handheld camerawork enhances the walk scene. During this intense scene, Philippe strives to climb the twin towers buildings causing tension. Through handheld camerawork, Zemeckis constructs a portrait of high-wire artists that is compelling. Handheld camerawork is a tricky technique to use in film. As Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight Rises” suggested, handheld camera is suited to commemorated comic-book movies. Nevertheless, it works expertly. Through breathtaking visuals, Zemeckis captures the tensions that commemorated high-wire artists are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “The Walk” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the movie is extremely well made. Zemeckis expertly uses production design to capture the lives of high-wire artists which walk a thin line. Throughout the film, the costumes worn by Philippe play a crucial role showcasing his strong position as a high-wire artist. For instance, costumes elevate the walk preparation scene. During this intense scene, Philippe seeks to prepare for his high-wire walk causing tension. Through stunning costumes, Zemeckis created a portrait of high-wire acts that’s compelling. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Alan Silvestri’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie a tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden that high-wire artists bear. Through gorgeous production-design, Zemeckis captures artists walking a line.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “The Walk” is a movie about a walk that’s compelling. The film is beautifully written, effectively using silence to capture tension faced by high-wire artists with experience. Throughout the movie, Zemeckis effectively uses silence to capture high-wire artists that face violence. For instance, silence elevates the walk completion scene. During this tense scene, Philippe feels a sense of excitement when he finishes the walk. Through silence, Zemeckis constructs a portrait of high wire artists which audiences can easily relate to. Silence is a tricky technique to use in movies. Jonathan Levine’s “50/50” suggested silence suggests comedies about Cancer. However, it works immensely in this movie. Through a bold screenplay, Zemeckis captures artists facing a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt delivers one of his best performances as Philippe Petit. Gordon-Levitt earned appreciation playing rebellious teens in great coming-of-age movies. With “The Walk”, however, he took on his most complex role. It is not easy to play a well-known high-wire artist that changed history but he succeeded. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Gordon-Levitt has commonly excelled at playing emotional heroes enduring pressure, and “The Walk” showcased his finest strength as an actor. With riveting expressions, he captures the angst, determination and grief of a high-wire artist in history. It’s an excellent performance from one of the best actors in the industry today.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for Joseph Gordon-Levitt, the supporting cast is also amazing. Ben Kingsley is brilliant, and captures the authority of a commemorated mentor that seeks to guide high-wire artists to change the course of history. Charlotte Le Bon is captivating, and brings romantic tension to the film as a woman that falls in love with a high-wife artist causing destruction. Lastly, James Badge Dale merits appreciation. As a skilled commemorated high-wire artist, he brings heartfelt emotion to the movie.
Finally, “The Walk” would earn appreciation of everyone for capturing high-wire artists pulling off a walk. Unlike most movies about stunts, it tackles strong themes which everyone would relate to. It discusses strong themes including identity, mental health and trauma that would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with the history of high-wire artists to appreciate it. Therefore, “The Walk” is one of those rare movies about high-wire acts that everyone will adore.
Fans of Joseph Gordon-Levitt would recognize “The Walk” and so will movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. A riveting classic about high-wire artists, it honours an actor audiences admire.
Nearly a decade following the release of a groundbreaking film about a high-wire artist that walked a steep line, it’s a riveting reminder about a divine actor that has made unforgettable movies which have never lost their abilities to shine.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 