The Man Who Walked Between the Towers

Based on the Caldecott Medal-winning 2003 picture book The Man Who Walked Between the Towers, written and illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein, this animated adaptation is inspired by the true story of Philippe Petit, a Parisian street performer who set his sights on walking a tightrope between the two towers of the World Trade Center, a feat he accomplished on August 7, 1974. Directed by the legendary animator Michael Sporn, with narration by Jake Gyllenhaal and music by Michael Bacon, the film traces Petit's daring (and illegal, as the film points out) high wire act, from smuggling cable into the towers after hours during construction to spending nearly an hour suspended a quarter-mile up in the air between the towers before finally giving himself up to authorities, after which he was “sentenced” to perform gratis for children in Central Park. A beautiful-looking film and one that is sure to spark lots of discussion about the fine moral line between following one's dreams and breaking the law, this is recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (R. Pitman)