mononews Reviews

Man on Wire (2008)

Beautiful film, fascinating characters, sublime acts.

[9/10 · 27 June 2008]

We saw this film at the Edinburgh Film Festival, it's European premier, and it was a packed audience. Unfortunately due to an error, the reels were swapped in the middle of the film, which threw the timing a bit but to be honest the poor organisers looked so miserable as they apologised that no one minded, and the film was just as beautiful as it should have been.

We were lucky enough to have a Q&A with the director and the star, Philippe Petit where we all asked the same old questions; 'how did it feels?' 'are you scared of death?' 'what made you do it?' but what made the experience and the film so refreshing was the personality of Petit. Of course you would assume he is a rampant egotist, he was a very good looking young man, talented, with a raft of friends happy to be involved in his dangerous and exciting endevours. Petit is actually incredibly funny and oblivious. I would describe his act not as simply entertainment but as a sublime experience, taking us to the edge of terror and death.

I was worried I'd spend the whole film with clammy hands, watching a guy on a high wire so high up, but his friend describes it so well the feeling you get watching him walk up there, it's so poetic and peaceful.

This is a very unusual film, very beautiful and exciting. I would say that it is suitable for any age but take your mum and dad, they'll love it.

War (2004)

Interesting and evocative, fascinating methods.

[8/10 · 21 February 2008]

I went into this film with a raging hangover, and it was completely cured; this miracle of healing gives you a clue as to the mood and pace of the film. The handcranked camera which is used to film War is part of the film itself, the dreamy atmosphere and detachment of the man cranking the camera is integral to setting up a pace which isn't exactly slow but each scene is long and considered. The travelling salesman is my favourite part; there are two fantastic scenes of him driving, stopping, 'action' taking place. This film will stay with you.

The fact that there is a limited cast only adds to the mood, there's an excellent performance by the boy and his dog.