As we’ve seen in recent years, all records are made to be broken, but it was quite surprise that this week, James Marsh’s documentary Man on Wire, became the top-reviewed movie of all time on movie review site Rotten Tomatoes, surpassing Pixar’s acclaimed Toy Story 2.
Man on Wire tells the story of French high-wire artist Philippe Petit, who snuck up to the top of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center on August 7, 1974, strung a wire between the buildings and walked across, an unprecedented wire walk that has never been repeated or attempted since. The riveting documentary gives a first-hand account of how Petit was able to pull off such a brazen act, leaving all of New York City thrilled and amazed.
You can read ComingSoon.net’s interview with Marsh and Petit here and The Weekend Warrior’s thoughts on the acclaimed documentary here, as well as read distributor Magnolia Pictures’ press release on this historic event below:
MAN ON WIRE THE BEST REVIEWED MOVIE OF ALL TIME!
James Marshs critically acclaimed doc claims top spot on Rottentomatoes.com
THE INTERNET October 30, 2008 After a protracted draw, Magnolia Pictures MAN ON WIRE finally edged out long-time record holder TOY STORY 2 to claim the coveted top spot on Rottentomatoes.com as the best reviewed film of all time: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/top/bestofrt_year.php. With its 100% positive rating over 128 reviews, MAN ON WIRE breezed past its contemporaries and now sits above such notable films as CITIZEN KANE, THE GODFATHER (parts I and II), THE WIZARD OF OZ, VERTIGO, SUNSET BOULEVARD, CHINATOWN, THE 400 BLOWS, ON THE WATERFRONT, RASHOMON, TAXI DRIVER and BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA.
All kidding aside, were pretty thrilled, said Magnolia President Eamonn Bowles. The reception that this documentary has received from the critical community and audiences alike has been really validating. James Marsh made an incredible film of an incredible story – its great to see it get the recognition it deserves.”
James Marshs thrilling documentary about Philippe Petits 1974 high wire walk between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center has been a box office hit as well as a critical one: to date its grossed more than $2.73 million, making it one of the highest performing documentaries of 2008.
MAN ON WIRE is not the only film in the Magnolia family enjoying a stint on Rottentomatoes.coms “best of” page. Magnet Releasings LET THE RIGHT ONE IN (the first film in the SIX SHOOTER FILM SERIES) is currently ranked as the best reviewed film in theaters. Additional, Chris Bells steroid documentary BIGGER, STRONGER, FASTER* (released theatrically by Magnolia last summer) ranks as the third-best reviewed movie recently released on DVD.
Despite rumors, Rottentomatoes.com is an unbiased entity with no ties to Magnolia Pictures or the Wagner/Cuban family.
