Man on Wire: The Artistic Crime of the Century, 50 Year Anniversary

“I’m am here you bloody bastard and in this act I liberate myself, I transcend myself, I actualise myself and what I do I do not only on my behalf but on the behalf of all men past, present and future. I act so as to free myself. I commit myself to this act as an act of spiritual revolt!”

-Philippe Petit, the French tightrope walker

Ash & I recently spent our date night watching a super inspiring documentary, “Man on Wire”

Man on Wire is a poetic ballet in the sky, a documentary that captures the essence of pure, unbridled artistry. It tells the story of Philippe Petit, the French tightrope walker who, in 1974, transformed the space between the Twin Towers into his own ethereal stage. Through a blend of archival footage, interviews, and evocative reenactments, we witness Petit’s audacious feat—a dance with the void, a masterpiece of daring and grace that left the world in awe.

For Petit, there was no why. When asked by the American press about his motivation, he resisted the question, saying, "There is no why. How can there be? It is the very absence of a why that is definitive of the act." His words resonate as a profound declaration of artistic freedom, an "anti-why" statement that rejects the constraints of logic and control. Petit's journey is a metaphor for the creative spirit, urging photographers and artists to transcend the mundane and embrace the sublime. His act was not bound by reason but fueled by an unyielding passion for beauty and risk.
After watching the documentary, I was filled with an Ultraviolet feeling that left me inspired with a fire to capture the world, my own life, and ideas without restraint, to find and see the extraordinary in the ordinary, and to create with an untamed heart, pushing the limits of what is possible.  Many times through the documentary my mind kept quoting lines from the following Charles Bukowski quote

Lessons from a Little French Man with a Big Spirit:

1. Dare to Dream, and Dream Big
   Philippe Petit's story teaches us that the size of our dreams is only limited by the breadth of our desire. To achieve the extraordinary, one must distinguish between a fleeting whim and a genuine passion. True desire is a powerful force that propels us beyond our limits, while mere whims fade in the face of challenges. Let your dreams be driven by an earnest yearning, for only then will you find the energy to transcend the ordinary.

2. Commitment to the Journey
   Real, meaningful achievements are not the result of impulsive actions; they are the culmination of a lifelong commitment to a vision. Petit devoted his entire existence to his art, embracing a way of life that demanded everything from him—even the willingness to risk his life. What you truly desire is not shown through your words but through the dedication and energy you pour into your pursuits. We do not choose our desires; they choose us. The key is to follow where your energy naturally flows, for therein lies your true calling.

3. Meticulous Planning and Execution
   Petit's high-wire walk was not a spontaneous act; it was the result of meticulous planning and unwavering focus. Greatness does not arise from impulsive or compulsive actions; it is born from the deliberate and conscious application of mind, body, and soul to a chosen task. While daring to risk everything, approach your dreams with eyes wide open, methodically preparing and giving yourself every opportunity for success. Greatness is not an accident; it is the deliberate pursuit of excellence.

Final thoughts:
I would highly recommend this documentary if you're finding yourself in a rut, needing a kick in the pants, or want to connect with your higher artistic self. In Petit’s words, “You have to exercise rebellion: to refuse to tape yourself to rules, to refuse your own success, to refuse to repeat yourself, to see every day, every year, every idea as a true challenge—and then you are going to live your life on a tightrope.”