MAN ON WIRE

Picture book

  The documentary by James Marsh was released in 2008. Earlier, in 2002 Philippe Petit published his book "To Reach the Clouds" which told his story of funambulating  from his own perspective. In 2004 a picture book of his story was published. There are copies available in both the Botany and Howick libraries. If you go to the following Youtube link you will be able to see (and hear an American  reader) showing the pictures to "the camera".

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VD4AM3NKT8E

FOR DISCUSSION - OR BLOGGING (see related blog)

Petit has a huge ego and while what he does might be thrilling to contemplate, it is ultimately foolish, selfish and irresponsible.

What are your thoughts on this? I look forward to hearing  and reading them.

REMINDER - Test next Thursday (20 August)

This will include terminology (refer to notes), analysis of scenes and a written response

ESSAY ON MAN ON WIRE


I apologise for not having this up for you earlier - a few hitches.  Because of the dealy on my part it is only fair that i give you an extension.... so the new due date will be Friday 21 August.

THE TASK

We learn about the real Philippe through
  • what we see him do - his actions             
                                               - his reactions
                                               - his interactions
  • what we hear him say
  • the way in which he communicates (his manner)
  • what other people say about him
  • archival footage

With reference to the documentary, together with the handout of quotes and your notes and memory, write an essay on the person, Philippe.
In your essay you will be expected to demonstrate the impression he made on you and how the director's input through visual and verbal techniques contributed to this impression.

You will need to give :
  • a clear introduction outlining the title of the film, the director (James Marsh) and introducing Philippe. This introduction should indicate your overall impression of him and also signpost three aspects of his person which you will write about in your three body paragraphs.
  • three SEXY paragraphs. Each paragraph should start with a clear Statement of the quality you will write about in that paragraph.  This should be followed by an Elaboration/Explanation of that statement. Support this with an eXample of a visual or verbal feature that helped create this impression for you. in the last part of the paragraph explain whY this as pect of the man was important for the success of this documentary/ whY it was important to your appreciation of the documentary in terms of messages and enjoyment.
  • a conclusion that sums up your impression without verbatim repetition.