Buildings, Balance + Flight
If you're a fan of Man on Wire, then this short film trailer is a must-watch... Alternatively, if you just need a dose of inspiration, exhilaration or simply want to see something truly invigorating, check out the clip below, 'I Believe I Can Fly' (flight of the frenchies), or click here or here to watch in a browser.
Check out more footage of 'highlining'- a combination of climbing, slackline and tightrope walking- at director Sebastien Montaz-Rosset's website, where you can find more information on the full length film as well, slated to be released for download at the same website on 11.11.11. (this Friday)
Whether crazy, inspired or liberating, seeing these images and film is a testament to what humans are capable of when they put their minds to something. In fact, when I saw this video clip on Coolism TV, it recalled a favorite film from a few years back featuring Philippe Petit's 'artistic crime of the century'...
So, if you haven't heard of Man on Wire, the 2008 documentary about Petit's legendary dance between the twin towers on a 200 foot tightrope in the summer of 1974, it is, as well, a must-watch. Directed by James Marsh, the Academy Award winning film paints a portrait of the performer who dreamed of walking between the towers since they were first designed, and then goes on to depict the riveting tale of how he and his counterparts were able to sneak into the towers, hide until nightfall, and secure over 400 pounds of cable between the roofs of the two structures for Philippe's ultimate performance.
If you're having trouble loading the video above, watch the film trailer here to get a sense of the magnitude of Petit's achievement. It's breathtaking to see an individual take such complete delight and joy from an act that most likely terrifies the rest of us- it's a fantastic source of inspiration and provides a broad perspective on life and the world around us in the same way 'I Believe I Can Fly' does.
It's all about how you see things- whether that image includes buildings, topography and mountains, or the space between them...