The Walk is among the few films released
in 3D where the format has been utilized in a way that is essential to the
viewing experience. The final high-wire walk in the most obvious example of
this, bringing audiences to the precipice between the Twin Towers in the same
manner that Gravity transported
viewers into space, but The Walk has
much more than this climactic sequence to offer in both 2D and 3D. Despite
being about 15-minutes too long in the middle section, Robert Zemeckis has
created an energetic and spectacle-filled film, from the fast-paced beginning
on the streets of Paris to the thrilling finale
over the landscape of Manhattan
Most attention
given to the 3D effects of The Walk
focus on that final stunt, though Zemeckis wisely makes use of the format early
on in the narrative in showing the whimsical beginnings of Philippe Petit
(Joseph Gordon-Levitt) as a street performer. These early sequences set up the
inspiration for the walk, long before even preparation had begun. Structuring
the film as a heist narrative, Zemeckis spends a good amount of the running
time for gathering accomplices and planning the efforts for Petit’s daredevil
caper. This comes through the gradual evolution from mime to outlaw performer,
and is moved along rather swiftly with an over-reliance on the protagonist’s
own narration.
When Petit hears
news of New York City ’s latest construction feat
in the World Trade Center
But before we
can get to these exciting sequences, Zemeckis wisely takes the time to build
the relationships between the characters. Petit must learn how to master the
wire at manageable heights first, which he does through a series of mistakes
and the eventual guidance of a man who runs a circus, named Papa Rudy (Ben
Kingsley). We are also shown the various other ways that Petit meets those who
will eventually help him on his quest, the most important of which also serves
as a love interest within the narrative. Annie (Charlotte Le Bon) is a musician
and fellow street performer in Paris
The first act of
The Walk contains whimsy and charm,
introducing the various players so that the actions of the third act hold weight.
This final act is filled with all of the excitement of the caper and the
majesty of that climactic sequence, but it is in the preparation in the second
act that some of the devices become redundant. Far too much time is spent
debating/discussing Petit’s sanity, usually with him being the first to bring
up the discussion. This neurosis may be intended to raise the suspense leading
up to the actual event, but The Walk
works best when simply recounting the facts rather than attempting to
investigate motivations. In the end, we all know Petit will inevitably reach
his goal, so the buildup becomes unnecessary at a point.
The Blu-ray 3D
combo pack also has a copy of the regular Blu-ray disc, as well as a Digital HD
copy of the film. Though the scope of the film’s most effective 3D sequence is
better suited for a theatrical viewing, there is still much to admire in the
craftsmanship, whereas the early use of the format is actually easier to enjoy
on a television screen. And those who are fine skipping this visual enhancement
will still find the images of standard 2D high definition to be quite stunning,
not to mention a compelling bit of human drama in another year of cinema
riddled with robots, dinosaurs and aliens.
The special
features are surprisingly sparse, containing only four extras, three of which
are exclusive to the Blu-ray releases. These include a handful of deleted
scenes (most of which are under a minute long), a featurette about the
construction of the effects for the film’s iconic tightrope scene, and another
about Gordon-Levitt’s process being taught to walk the wire by the real-life
Philippe Petit. The one featurette also included on the DVD is a look at the
supporting characters and the actors cast in the roles.
Entertainment Value:
8.5/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 8.5/10
Historical
Significance: 8/10
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