Movie review: "Man On Wire" (2007)

The gist: Set the Wayback Machine for 1974... Having walked tightropes strung across landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Frenchman Philippe Petit – part circus clown, part superhero, all artist – decides he must traverse the gap between the Twin Towers of New York's World Trade Center. Rather than ask permission, he devises a plan to sneak his accomplices and equipment to the top and carry out the fearless deed as the city wakes.

Selling points: It actually happened! This is a documentary in which the events are retold using recent interviews with those involved, the extensive shots they snapped, file footage, and dramatisations so good you'll forget they aren't real. A big tick for the beautiful music lifted from a bunch of Michael Nyman soundtracks.

It's kinda like: A heist picture – the walk was meticulously planned and executed at speed, but there were unforseen problems and lucky breaks along the way. Watching the film, you can't help thinking about the terrorist attacks on the Towers in 2001. That mission was to rob the world of something. Petit's was to bring it wonder.

Final word: High-tension wire.

[Australian cinema release date: October 16]