The Walk 4K 2015

Robert Zemeckis’s "Walk" is the second film—after Alfonso Cuarón’s "Gravity"—that you really need to see in IMAX for the most immersive experience.
And not so much because of the always stunning visual effects by Robert Zemeckis, but rather because of the inspiring and unobtrusive story of achieving one’s dream.

And yet, even the story itself isn’t solely about the fulfillment of a tightrope walker’s dream.
It is quite expansive and also addresses other important themes related to personal success.

First, of course, is the emergence of a dream within Philippe Petit’s soul. A dream that a street juggler and magician discovered in a dental clinic due to severe toothache. It was a real dream, one in which even a toothache could vanish for a moment. Notice how symbolically Joseph Gordon-Levitt was shown, recounting the success story, atop the Statue of Liberty. Considering that the Statue was a gift from France to the Great America, it seemed as though fate itself had paved the way for Philippe Petit from Paris to New York.

Second, recruiting the right accomplices. Remember—one man is no army. And even if he is a warrior, he is still alone, with no one to listen or support him. If you believe in your dream with all your heart and soul, then Life or Fate will surely send understanding and wonderful people your way. A girl with a guitar, a photographer who happened to wander onto the campus, his mathematician friend who is terribly afraid of heights, an electronics salesman who knows a bit of French, a dapper businessman—they all believed (albeit with some doubts) in the tightrope walker’s dream and did everything they could for their friend. These encounters may have seemed naive and fairy-tale-like, but one cannot deny the fact that this is how things happen in life.

Third, the use of every tool to turn a dream into reality. Self-suggestion backed by faith and a clear plan will always help only the most steadfast and passionate. And it’s also worth remembering that even the clearest plan won’t prevent the inevitable problems that arise here and there from shaking one’s self-confidence. The guys did a great job, demonstrating tremendous patience and overcoming their fear. Indeed, only the most desperate and crazy are ready to go all the way, no matter what. And it is precisely these people who live a real Life, unlike millions of others.

Fourth, gratitude for all the help friends provide. Vanity and self-absorption sometimes help, but few want to deal with them. When a leader knows his team is ready to do anything for him, Fate will continue to bestow its gifts. No matter how lonely a person may be, there will always be someone else who will stay with you in your solitude for the sake of companionship.

Fifth, ‘The Walk’—a tribute to the memory or respect for the world-famous Twin Towers. Two beautiful monsters (a funny oxymoron) truly showed with their very appearance that they were impossible to conquer. But they proved powerless against Philippe Petit’s unbreakable dream. His walks back and forth along the taut wire seriously played on the nerves of the spectators. Robert Zemeckis’s mastery managed to recreate an incredibly realistic picture of what was happening. How sweet was the young man’s triumph when he reached his dream in the heavens. In doing so, he made those towers understand that an ordinary man of flesh and blood could rise above them. My goodness, what an inspiring and life-affirming story!

Of course, these aren’t the film’s only strengths. I won’t forget the magnificent black-and-white Paris of the ’70s with its splashes of color, such as the gendarmes’ uniforms or the round ball. I won’t forget the moment that was constantly mentioned but never really focused on. I won’t forget the courage shown by Jeff (the mathematician), who overcame his fear of heights and helped his friend secure the cable. I won’t forget another high-caliber performance by Alan Silvestri. Familiar notes from ‘Forrest Gump’ warmed my soul.

An excellent film that makes you want to watch it again on the big screen. A film that deserves to be seen on the very biggest screen. A film that deserves to be called a shining example of inspiration. A film that showed that Joseph Gordon-Levitt has grown as an actor.