Basejumper.com - archive

http://www.iconmovies.co.uk/manonwire/

From http://news.bbc.co.uk/...tainment/7498364.stm

I recall when this happened and there was an ulterior motive on the part of the building owners at the time.

When the WTC was first completed most New Yorkers thought the towers were a hideous eyesore. They didn't fit in at all with other NYC building architecture.

And the owners were having trouble leasing space in the buildings. In fact the towers were mostly vacant and the owners were starting to get used to the fact they were going to take a financial bath.

When Philippe walked the wire the building owners responded like you'd think. They wanted him prosecuted and hung out to dry. But then the phones started ringing with leasing inquires and they realized how much world wide publicity the stunt had garnered. And all of a sudden the stunt was, "a thing of beauty."

A year later, in 1975, Owen Quinn was the first to parachute from the top of the towers and he got sent to the psychiatric doctors. Even though the jump generated a like amount of publicity timing is everything. When Owen jumped leasing was going great guns and the building owners didn't need him.

NickD

Very cool, I'd like to see this when it comes out on DVD

I'd like to see it when it comes out on the pirate bay

thats what you said
[!?]
[?!]

Nice movies are worth some respect
I'd see Dreams... (skydivingmovies->BASE) in cinema some day... Did anybody see a BASE movie in cinema ever?

"Adrenaline Rush" was in IMAX cinemas, and was the best way to see it.

I'll be going to see this at the weekend...
The act itself is so incredible , and the motivation , is one I certainly can recognise ..cant wait to see more about the planning and execution

I've just got back from seeing this film. It's really worth checking out, I loved it! Think of the most logistically challenging base jump you ever heard about, and times it by 100 on every level. The sheer audacity involved with entering the WTC undetected with so much equipment, and then rigging up a 200ft wire between the towers (a process that took all night), whilst evading security guards, and then the walk itself - done by a guy who was exhausted after a sleepless night of rigging - it's just mind boggling! Awesome film.

Agreed...its quite a long documentry and a little disjointed in places....but its a gripping tale and a remarkable feat.
I think most BASE jumpers.....certainly those who do a fair share of urban stuff will definatley tune in to some of the emotion/thoughts.

Go see it if you can !

I just saw the documentary film "Man on Wire" and thoroughly enjoyed the success that Philippe Petit had back in 1974 illegally stringing a cable between the Twin Towers and dancing on it a quarter mile above ground. I was astounded by the detailed planning and team work that made it a success.

"He was arrested once he stepped off the wire. Provoked by his taunting behaviour while on the wire, police handcuffed him behind his back and roughly pushed him down a flight of stairs. This he later described as the most dangerous part of the stunt."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippe_Petit

"It competed in the World Cinema Documentary Competition at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Grand Jury Prize: World Cinema Documentary and the World Cinema Audience Award: Documentary. In February 2009, the film won the BAFTA for Outstanding British Film, the Independent Spirit Awards and the Academy Award for Best Documentary."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Man_on_Wire

That happened last century. Who is the current holder of the greatest artistic crime of this century? Would Jeb be able to lay claim had he not been stopped on top of the Empire State Building in April of 2006?

Brilliant documentary! Have had the DVD for some time now! I would just LOVE to have one of those still photos of philippe on my wall! but have yet to track down where to get a copy! If anyone knows let me know!

Fuckin A dude!! Nick, you seem to contain a WEALTH of history! Hopefully some day we'll meet and I can buy you a drink or ten

Does something have to be in the public eye in order to be "artistic"? In my opinion true art is created without regard to others' opinions or even knowledge. So within that definition I could think of many more "artistic" crimes within BASE than Jeb's attempt at the Empire. (not to say that a ton of work and intricate planning didnt go into it).

but then again BASE isn't a crime so forget it

Heard the story from Owen first Hand!!! Crazy man!!