High Wire Act (2018) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
The ending of High Wire Act (also known as The Walk) is a triumphant yet emotionally complex climax where Philippe Petit, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, successfully completes his illegal high-wire walk between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in 1974. After being arrested, he is sentenced to perform community service but is also granted symbolic access to the Towers' observation deck. The film concludes with a poignant reflection on the ephemeral nature of art and human achievement, underscored by the Towers' eventual destruction in 9/11, which adds a layer of historical weight to Petit's daring act.
Detailed Explanation:
The finale of High Wire Act is a masterful blend of tension, artistry, and historical resonance. After meticulously planning and executing his unauthorized tightrope walk between the Twin Towers, Petit spends 45 minutes on the wire, performing tricks and even lying down mid-air. The sequence is visually breathtaking, with director Robert Zemeckis using sweeping cinematography to emphasize the sheer height and danger of Petit's feat. The tension peaks when Petit is confronted by a police officer on one of the rooftops, who, instead of arresting him immediately, watches in awe, symbolizing the universal human fascination with audacious dreams. This moment underscores the film's central theme: the pursuit of beauty and meaning in the face of overwhelming odds.
Petit's arrest and subsequent trial serve as the film's denouement. Rather than punishing him severely, the judge sentences him to perform community service-specifically, to entertain children in Central Park-a poetic justice that acknowledges the artistic merit of his act. The film then jumps forward in time, showing Petit revisiting the Towers' observation deck, now as a legal visitor, where he leaves a coin on the beam where his wire was anchored. This small gesture is laden with symbolism, representing both closure and a tribute to the impermanence of his achievement. The closing shots of the empty beam, followed by a haunting fade to black, foreshadow the Towers' eventual fate, adding a melancholic layer to Petit's triumph.
Unresolved Questions and Possible Answers:
1. Why did the authorities react so leniently to Petit's crime?
- The judge and police may have recognized the artistic and inspirational value of his act.
- Petit's charisma and the public's admiration could have influenced the sentencing.
- The legal system may have deemed his stunt harmless compared to other crimes.
What does the coin Petit leaves on the beam symbolize?
- A tribute to the Towers and their eventual loss.
- A token of gratitude for the opportunity to fulfill his dream.
- A metaphor for the fleeting nature of human achievement.
How does the film's depiction of 9/11 affect the ending's tone?
- It transforms Petit's triumph into a bittersweet memorial.
- It suggests that even the grandest human creations are vulnerable.
- It invites viewers to reflect on the Towers' legacy beyond Petit's story.
Personal Opinion:
The ending of High Wire Act is profoundly moving, blending exhilaration with melancholy. Petit's walk is a celebration of human audacity, but the film's subtle nod to 9/11 reminds us that even the most monumental achievements are fleeting. Joseph Gordon-Levitt's performance captures Petit's passion and vulnerability, making the character's journey deeply relatable. The visual effects and direction immerse the audience in Petit's perspective, making the wire-walk sequences both terrifying and awe-inspiring. However, the film's historical framing-especially its postscript about the Towers-elevates it from a mere adventure story to a meditation on memory and loss. While some might argue the 9/11 reference is heavy-handed, I believe it adds necessary depth, connecting Petit's personal triumph to a broader cultural narrative.
Final Thoughts:
High Wire Act is more than a biopic; it's a love letter to the power of dreams and the fragility of human monuments. The ending's emotional impact lingers long after the credits roll, leaving viewers to ponder the intersections of art, risk, and history. Petit's story is a reminder that some acts defy logic, existing purely for the sake of beauty-and that such acts can become timeless, even as the world around them changes. The film's ability to balance joy and sorrow is its greatest strength, making it a memorable cinematic experience.