There are some stories in history that are so incredible, they deserve to be documented; stories so enthralling and inspiring that it should be put on the silver screen for many to see. This is very true of British director James Marsh’s new documentary, “Man on Wire.”

“Man on Wire” is about the incomparable Philippe Petit, an enthusiastic tightrope walker who strung a wire across the World Trade Center towers and walked across it in 1974. The film is told through interviews with Petit, his friends and crew members, impressive dramatic reenactments, as well as old black and white stock footage and photographs. The story begins with 17-year-old Petit finding a French newspaper which showed the World Trade Center towers in their planning stages. From that day forward he had a mission: to walk between them on a tightrope.

While taking many years to plan this almost impossible mission, he practiced by tightroping in France and Australia. From there, a variety of characters who help him along the way are introduced. Annie Allix, his girlfriend, his good friends, Jean-Louis Blondeau and Jean-Francois Heckel, a few Americans, Jim Moore, David Forman, Barry Greenhouse, and Alan Weisner. After a few walks and about six years later, the day finally came, but not without hiccups and twists and turns that keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

Marsh, who showed much talent and promise with his independent feature film debut, “The King,” dazzles us again with his acumen in documentary and storytelling. His use of multiple elements brings a cohesive narrative quality to an true story. He takes the history of this event and sets a foundation of a heist film. In every way, he shows us the process just like one would in a crime caper film and it makes the film highly viewable and entertaining.

From the editing to the dramatic recreations, to interviews and everything in between, Marsh makes one of the best documentaries of the year.

Unlike most daredevils Petit is portrayed accurately, not as a crazy man on a quest for fame, but as an artist. What he does causes a stir, affecting those who witness his acts of artistic and personal bravery. It will stir and stick with those who witness it on-screen; to see a man have a purpose in his life, follow a goal and attain it at such an artistic height is rewarding. This film is a treat and should not be missed.