Philippe Petit - WTC American Experience

>> PHILIPPE PETIT: My love for the Towers was in my relation with them-- not as an overall the Towers was in my relation with them-- not as an overall appreciation, almost in an with them-- not as an overall appreciation, almost in an architectural sense. appreciation, almost in an architectural sense. My love was for their life. architectural sense. My love was for their life. They were alive. My love was for their life. They were alive. Not many people know that. They were alive. Not many people know that. The people who build them know Not many people know that. The people who build them know that. The people who build them know that. They were vibrating with the that. They were vibrating with the passage of a cloud over the sun, They were vibrating with the passage of a cloud over the sun, a difference of temperature, the passage of a cloud over the sun, a difference of temperature, the wind, and the skeleton was a difference of temperature, the wind, and the skeleton was actually making noise. wind, and the skeleton was actually making noise. I discovered that, and at times, actually making noise. I discovered that, and at times, the Towers were asleep, I discovered that, and at times, the Towers were asleep, hibernating, and at times they the Towers were asleep, hibernating, and at times they wake up and they cry, and they hibernating, and at times they wake up and they cry, and they almost yell for help. wake up and they cry, and they almost yell for help. I think I love them from the almost yell for help. I think I love them from the inside. I think I love them from the inside. I didn't find them beautiful and inside. I didn't find them beautiful and interesting at first sight. I didn't find them beautiful and interesting at first sight. But as I get to know them, as I interesting at first sight. But as I get to know them, as I found out that, to build those But as I get to know them, as I found out that, to build those two monoliths, you had to had a found out that, to build those two monoliths, you had to had a group of insane designer, two monoliths, you had to had a group of insane designer, architect, structural engineer, group of insane designer, architect, structural engineer, builders-- hundreds of them for architect, structural engineer, builders-- hundreds of them for years. builders-- hundreds of them for years. It became something to love. years. It became something to love. I love their strength and their It became something to love. I love their strength and their arrogance, somehow. I love their strength and their arrogance, somehow. They were so overlooking the arrogance, somehow. They were so overlooking the skyline of New York. They were so overlooking the skyline of New York. Somehow anything that is giant skyline of New York. Somehow anything that is giant and manmade strikes me in an Somehow anything that is giant and manmade strikes me in an awesome way and calls me, and I and manmade strikes me in an awesome way and calls me, and I cannot see the highest towers awesome way and calls me, and I cannot see the highest towers being built without wanting to cannot see the highest towers being built without wanting to celebrate their birth right being built without wanting to celebrate their birth right there. Ada Louise Huxtable, 1966. >> PETIT: I was in a dentist's waiting room in Paris with a >> PETIT: I was in a dentist's waiting room in Paris with a giant toothache, and I was waiting room in Paris with a giant toothache, and I was looking at what usually, you giant toothache, and I was looking at what usually, you know, look through those old looking at what usually, you know, look through those old magazine, old newspapers. know, look through those old magazine, old newspapers. And somehow I fell onto a small magazine, old newspapers. And somehow I fell onto a small article, but the picture really And somehow I fell onto a small article, but the picture really called my attention. article, but the picture really called my attention. It was the Twin Towers, but in called my attention. It was the Twin Towers, but in their model form, because it was It was the Twin Towers, but in their model form, because it was in 1968 and they had not yet their model form, because it was in 1968 and they had not yet started to be built. in 1968 and they had not yet started to be built. And I had not yet started to be started to be built. And I had not yet started to be a wire walker, which is actually And I had not yet started to be a wire walker, which is actually the amazing part of the story. a wire walker, which is actually the amazing part of the story. So how could I fall in love with the amazing part of the story. So how could I fall in love with those two towers, the highest So how could I fall in love with those two towers, the highest towers in the world? those two towers, the highest towers in the world? Said the article, "So towers in the world? Said the article, "So presumptuous, so arrogant, so Said the article, "So presumptuous, so arrogant, so naive, so romantic." presumptuous, so arrogant, so naive, so romantic." And it was all of that. naive, so romantic." And it was all of that. And I remember, I just... I had And it was all of that. And I remember, I just... I had to tear the article, and And I remember, I just... I had to tear the article, and everybody was watching me. to tear the article, and everybody was watching me. You know, in France everybody's everybody was watching me. You know, in France everybody's watching each other. You know, in France everybody's watching each other. It was very quiet, and I watching each other. It was very quiet, and I couldn't rip the page, and plus It was very quiet, and I couldn't rip the page, and plus you don't, you know, you don't couldn't rip the page, and plus you don't, you know, you don't steal something. you don't, you know, you don't steal something. So I actually let go a giant steal something. So I actually let go a giant sneeze and under the cover of So I actually let go a giant sneeze and under the cover of the sneeze I tore the article, sneeze and under the cover of the sneeze I tore the article, put it under my shirt and I had the sneeze I tore the article, put it under my shirt and I had to leave and I had to find put it under my shirt and I had to leave and I had to find another dentist. to leave and I had to find another dentist. But, you know, what was it to another dentist. But, you know, what was it to have a toothache for another But, you know, what was it to have a toothache for another week when what I had now in my have a toothache for another week when what I had now in my chest was a dream? >> STIERS: The most sublime and transcendent episode in the entire history of the World transcendent episode in the entire history of the World Trade Center would come in the entire history of the World Trade Center would come in the first dark and difficult years Trade Center would come in the first dark and difficult years after its opening, while the first dark and difficult years after its opening, while the city lay deep in the worst after its opening, while the city lay deep in the worst financial crisis of its history, city lay deep in the worst financial crisis of its history, and while the towers themselves, financial crisis of its history, and while the towers themselves, still unfinished on the and while the towers themselves, still unfinished on the uppermost floors, seemed to still unfinished on the uppermost floors, seemed to stand as a painfully extravagant uppermost floors, seemed to stand as a painfully extravagant monument to folly and misguided stand as a painfully extravagant monument to folly and misguided ambition. monument to folly and misguided ambition. For six years following his ambition. For six years following his epiphany in the dentist's office For six years following his epiphany in the dentist's office in Paris, Philippe Petit had epiphany in the dentist's office in Paris, Philippe Petit had nurtured his dream, in Paris, Philippe Petit had nurtured his dream, painstakingly perfecting his nurtured his dream, painstakingly perfecting his skills as a high-wire artist, painstakingly perfecting his skills as a high-wire artist, and devouring everything he skills as a high-wire artist, and devouring everything he could find about the Twin and devouring everything he could find about the Twin Towers. could find about the Twin Towers. In early January, 1974, he flew Towers. In early January, 1974, he flew to New York City for the first In early January, 1974, he flew to New York City for the first time in his life to put in to New York City for the first time in his life to put in motion the next elaborate phase time in his life to put in motion the next elaborate phase of the illegal escapade he now motion the next elaborate phase of the illegal escapade he now called simply "the coup." of the illegal escapade he now called simply "the coup." He was 24 years old. called simply "the coup." He was 24 years old. >> PETIT: When I came to New He was 24 years old. >> PETIT: When I came to New York, it was winter. >> PETIT: When I came to New York, it was winter. And I had a little journal or York, it was winter. And I had a little journal or whatever, I wrote my thoughts. And I had a little journal or whatever, I wrote my thoughts. And I thought, it's old, it's whatever, I wrote my thoughts. And I thought, it's old, it's dirty, it's full of skyscrapers, And I thought, it's old, it's dirty, it's full of skyscrapers, I love it. dirty, it's full of skyscrapers, I love it. That was my first little entry I love it. That was my first little entry the first day I saw New York. That was my first little entry the first day I saw New York. I remember my first encounter the first day I saw New York. I remember my first encounter with the Twin Towers. I remember my first encounter with the Twin Towers. I got out of the subway-- it was with the Twin Towers. I got out of the subway-- it was a long subway ride-- and out of I got out of the subway-- it was a long subway ride-- and out of the darkness, I emerged at the a long subway ride-- and out of the darkness, I emerged at the base of one of the tower, and the darkness, I emerged at the base of one of the tower, and look up. base of one of the tower, and look up. And, like a slap in the face, I look up. And, like a slap in the face, I saw that that my dream was And, like a slap in the face, I saw that that my dream was impossible. saw that that my dream was impossible. I mean, it was right there in impossible. I mean, it was right there in aluminum and glass and steel and I mean, it was right there in aluminum and glass and steel and concrete behind it. aluminum and glass and steel and concrete behind it. It was right there. concrete behind it. It was right there. It said, "impossible." It was right there. It said, "impossible." And yet somehow I actually find It said, "impossible." And yet somehow I actually find myself trespassing over the And yet somehow I actually find myself trespassing over the plaza, still under construction, myself trespassing over the plaza, still under construction, and sneaking in one of the plaza, still under construction, and sneaking in one of the tower, and climbing and climbing and sneaking in one of the tower, and climbing and climbing inside the building until I find tower, and climbing and climbing inside the building until I find myself very close to the top, inside the building until I find myself very close to the top, and until there were no more myself very close to the top, and until there were no more windows, no more partitions. and until there were no more windows, no more partitions. There were just the skeleton, windows, no more partitions. There were just the skeleton, the beautiful steel columns and There were just the skeleton, the beautiful steel columns and beams of the building. the beautiful steel columns and beams of the building. And then I emerge, and there beams of the building. And then I emerge, and there were no gates. And then I emerge, and there were no gates. There were nothing to protect were no gates. There were nothing to protect you from the devouring void. There were nothing to protect you from the devouring void. And I stood and I looked, and you from the devouring void. And I stood and I looked, and the second I look at the other And I stood and I looked, and the second I look at the other tower, another time the word the second I look at the other tower, another time the word "impossible" etch itself inside tower, another time the word "impossible" etch itself inside me. "impossible" etch itself inside me. But somehow I went back down and me. But somehow I went back down and looked again from the street, But somehow I went back down and looked again from the street, and there I realize, it's looked again from the street, and there I realize, it's impossible, but I'll do it. and there I realize, it's impossible, but I'll do it. And there was the beginning of a impossible, but I'll do it. And there was the beginning of a second wave of work, the real And there was the beginning of a second wave of work, the real work, the work of getting into second wave of work, the real work, the work of getting into the building, not into work, the work of getting into the building, not into archaeological findings or the building, not into archaeological findings or architectural magazines, but archaeological findings or architectural magazines, but this time, it was the monster, architectural magazines, but this time, it was the monster, the beast, getting into the this time, it was the monster, the beast, getting into the belly of the beast every day, the beast, getting into the belly of the beast every day, which I did, hiding myself, belly of the beast every day, which I did, hiding myself, disguising myself, sneaking, which I did, hiding myself, disguising myself, sneaking, being caught, abandoning the disguising myself, sneaking, being caught, abandoning the project, going back to it, for being caught, abandoning the project, going back to it, for eight months-- eight months in project, going back to it, for eight months-- eight months in New York. eight months-- eight months in New York. And the towers, the more I got New York. And the towers, the more I got to know them, the more they And the towers, the more I got to know them, the more they become an ally. to know them, the more they become an ally. That's why when I say, "I become an ally. That's why when I say, "I conquered them," probably it's That's why when I say, "I conquered them," probably it's wrong. conquered them," probably it's wrong. I married them, certainly. wrong. I married them, certainly. But they became my friends. I married them, certainly. But they became my friends. >> TOZZOLI: But they became my friends. >> TOZZOLI: Remember now, I had opened the >> TOZZOLI: Remember now, I had opened the tower at the end of '70, and I Remember now, I had opened the tower at the end of '70, and I wanted public relations. tower at the end of '70, and I wanted public relations. I needed publicity. wanted public relations. I needed publicity. I had at least 10 million, 12 I needed publicity. I had at least 10 million, 12 million square feet of space, I had at least 10 million, 12 million square feet of space, and one day, a young journalist, million square feet of space, and one day, a young journalist, he said he was, named Philippe and one day, a young journalist, he said he was, named Philippe Petit from France, showed up in he said he was, named Philippe Petit from France, showed up in my office with two photographer Petit from France, showed up in my office with two photographer friends of his. my office with two photographer friends of his. These were his buddies. friends of his. These were his buddies. And he said, "You know, I'd like These were his buddies. And he said, "You know, I'd like to do an article on the World And he said, "You know, I'd like to do an article on the World Trade Center." to do an article on the World Trade Center." And I said, "Welcome, that's Trade Center." And I said, "Welcome, that's great." And I said, "Welcome, that's great." And, naturally, I never asked, great." And, naturally, I never asked, "Show me your credentials." And, naturally, I never asked, "Show me your credentials." And later on, I recognized that "Show me your credentials." And later on, I recognized that the subject always got back to And later on, I recognized that the subject always got back to how those towers move in the the subject always got back to how those towers move in the wind. how those towers move in the wind. >> STIERS: After eight months of wind. >> STIERS: After eight months of false starts, last-minute >> STIERS: After eight months of false starts, last-minute reversals, heartbreaking false starts, last-minute reversals, heartbreaking postponements and maddening reversals, heartbreaking postponements and maddening delays, the hour of the coup postponements and maddening delays, the hour of the coup finally arrived. delays, the hour of the coup finally arrived. At 6:00 on the evening of finally arrived. At 6:00 on the evening of Tuesday, August 6, 1974, while At 6:00 on the evening of Tuesday, August 6, 1974, while one team made its way up into Tuesday, August 6, 1974, while one team made its way up into the north tower, Petit-- one team made its way up into the north tower, Petit-- delirious with exhaustion and the north tower, Petit-- delirious with exhaustion and seething with the holy madness delirious with exhaustion and seething with the holy madness of his dream-- slipped up to the seething with the holy madness of his dream-- slipped up to the top of the south tower with two of his dream-- slipped up to the top of the south tower with two confederates posing as top of the south tower with two confederates posing as deliverymen in tow, carrying confederates posing as deliverymen in tow, carrying with them three heavy crates deliverymen in tow, carrying with them three heavy crates filled with equipment, including with them three heavy crates filled with equipment, including a disassembled balancing pole, filled with equipment, including a disassembled balancing pole, wire for rigging, 250 feet of a disassembled balancing pole, wire for rigging, 250 feet of one-inch braided steel cable and wire for rigging, 250 feet of one-inch braided steel cable and a bow and arrow. one-inch braided steel cable and a bow and arrow. >> PETIT: The first problem was a bow and arrow. >> PETIT: The first problem was how to pass the cable across, >> PETIT: The first problem was how to pass the cable across, how to pass the first line, how to pass the cable across, how to pass the first line, which will ultimately become a how to pass the first line, which will ultimately become a rope strong enough to pull the which will ultimately become a rope strong enough to pull the heavy steel cable. rope strong enough to pull the heavy steel cable. So how to get that fishing line heavy steel cable. So how to get that fishing line across? So how to get that fishing line across? It's like 200 feet from center across? It's like 200 feet from center of roof to center of roof, It's like 200 feet from center of roof to center of roof, roughly. of roof to center of roof, roughly. We had all kind of ideas. roughly. We had all kind of ideas. And the idea that prevailed was We had all kind of ideas. And the idea that prevailed was the one I thought was And the idea that prevailed was the one I thought was ridiculous, was a bow and arrow. the one I thought was ridiculous, was a bow and arrow. But it actually... it worked. ridiculous, was a bow and arrow. But it actually... it worked. So with a fishing line and a bow But it actually... it worked. So with a fishing line and a bow and arrow, we passed the first So with a fishing line and a bow and arrow, we passed the first line across. and arrow, we passed the first line across. And then all night we pulled, line across. And then all night we pulled, and then the cable was secured. And then all night we pulled, and then the cable was secured. >> STIERS: It took all night to and then the cable was secured. >> STIERS: It took all night to complete the complex job of >> STIERS: It took all night to complete the complex job of rigging, to anchor and secure as complete the complex job of rigging, to anchor and secure as best he could the slender one- rigging, to anchor and secure as best he could the slender one- inch cable a quarter of a mile best he could the slender one- inch cable a quarter of a mile in the sky across the 130-foot inch cable a quarter of a mile in the sky across the 130-foot gap separating the two immense in the sky across the 130-foot gap separating the two immense towers. gap separating the two immense towers. 1,360 feet below, Wall Street towers. 1,360 feet below, Wall Street was just beginning to come to 1,360 feet below, Wall Street was just beginning to come to life when, at a little past 7:00 was just beginning to come to life when, at a little past 7:00 on the morning of August 7, life when, at a little past 7:00 on the morning of August 7, 1974, Philippe Petit stepped out on the morning of August 7, 1974, Philippe Petit stepped out onto the slender, thrumming wire 1974, Philippe Petit stepped out onto the slender, thrumming wire that stretched across the >> PETIT: Whenever other worlds invite us, whenever we are balancing on the boundaries of invite us, whenever we are balancing on the boundaries of our limited human condition, balancing on the boundaries of our limited human condition, that's where life starts; that's our limited human condition, that's where life starts; that's where you start feeling yourself that's where life starts; that's where you start feeling yourself living. where you start feeling yourself living. So when I found myself one foot living. So when I found myself one foot on the wire, one foot on the So when I found myself one foot on the wire, one foot on the building, and ready to decide to on the wire, one foot on the building, and ready to decide to shift my weight to become a building, and ready to decide to shift my weight to become a bird, it was not something new. shift my weight to become a bird, it was not something new. And after a few steps, I knew I bird, it was not something new. And after a few steps, I knew I was in my element. And after a few steps, I knew I was in my element. I didn't even took the full was in my element. I didn't even took the full length of the crossing to get to I didn't even took the full length of the crossing to get to know the rigging and the length of the crossing to get to know the rigging and the vibration of the building and know the rigging and the vibration of the building and the wire. vibration of the building and the wire. And then, very slowly, as I the wire. And then, very slowly, as I walked, I was overwhelmed by a And then, very slowly, as I walked, I was overwhelmed by a sense of easiness, a sense of walked, I was overwhelmed by a sense of easiness, a sense of simplicity. sense of easiness, a sense of simplicity. And, actually, I can be seen on simplicity. And, actually, I can be seen on the first pictures smiling, And, actually, I can be seen on the first pictures smiling, smiling probably out of the first pictures smiling, smiling probably out of disbelief. smiling probably out of disbelief. It's so easy, after all those disbelief. It's so easy, after all those years and months of ups and down It's so easy, after all those years and months of ups and down and detours, victories and years and months of ups and down and detours, victories and disasters. and detours, victories and disasters. Finally, I was carrying my life disasters. Finally, I was carrying my life on a path that was the simplest, Finally, I was carrying my life on a path that was the simplest, the most beautiful and the on a path that was the simplest, the most beautiful and the easiest. the most beautiful and the easiest. >> STIERS: Down on the street easiest. >> STIERS: Down on the street below, thousands of people on >> STIERS: Down on the street below, thousands of people on the way into work looked up in below, thousands of people on the way into work looked up in wonder and disbelief, transfixed the way into work looked up in wonder and disbelief, transfixed by the sight of the tiny figure, wonder and disbelief, transfixed by the sight of the tiny figure, walking on air between the two by the sight of the tiny figure, walking on air between the two towers. walking on air between the two towers. >> PETIT: Somehow I found myself towers. >> PETIT: Somehow I found myself spending 45 minutes and doing >> PETIT: Somehow I found myself spending 45 minutes and doing eight crossings. spending 45 minutes and doing eight crossings. There were thousands of people. eight crossings. There were thousands of people. At some point, 100,000 people, There were thousands of people. At some point, 100,000 people, and, actually, at some point At some point, 100,000 people, and, actually, at some point during these different and, actually, at some point during these different crossings, I actually could hear during these different crossings, I actually could hear my audience a quarter of a mile crossings, I actually could hear my audience a quarter of a mile below. my audience a quarter of a mile below. And I could hear them below. And I could hear them punctuating what I was doing on And I could hear them punctuating what I was doing on the wire... let's say, if I punctuating what I was doing on the wire... let's say, if I would take a bow on one leg or the wire... let's say, if I would take a bow on one leg or salute the horizon or kneel in would take a bow on one leg or salute the horizon or kneel in front of a tower to say hello to salute the horizon or kneel in front of a tower to say hello to the tower, I would hear, almost front of a tower to say hello to the tower, I would hear, almost with an echo, the people the tower, I would hear, almost with an echo, the people cheering, screaming, applauding. with an echo, the people cheering, screaming, applauding. >> TOZZOLI: I had in my car a cheering, screaming, applauding. >> TOZZOLI: I had in my car a radio that connected me to the >> TOZZOLI: I had in my car a radio that connected me to the police desk at the World Trade radio that connected me to the police desk at the World Trade Center. police desk at the World Trade Center. And on the day in question, the Center. And on the day in question, the light went on. And on the day in question, the light went on. And the patrolman at the police light went on. And the patrolman at the police desk said, "Mr. T., there's a And the patrolman at the police desk said, "Mr. T., there's a problem in the World Trade desk said, "Mr. T., there's a problem in the World Trade Center." problem in the World Trade Center." I said, "What's the problem?" Center." I said, "What's the problem?" He said, "There's a guy walking I said, "What's the problem?" He said, "There's a guy walking on a tightrope between the two He said, "There's a guy walking on a tightrope between the two towers. on a tightrope between the two towers. What should we do?" towers. What should we do?" And I couldn't think of anything What should we do?" And I couldn't think of anything else. And I couldn't think of anything else. I said, "Don't let him fall else. I said, "Don't let him fall off," and I hung up. I said, "Don't let him fall off," and I hung up. So then I drove a little off," and I hung up. So then I drove a little further. So then I drove a little further. I called back. further. I called back. I said, "By the way, this is I called back. I said, "By the way, this is incredible. I said, "By the way, this is incredible. There's somebody walk... if he incredible. There's somebody walk... if he doesn't fall off, and he comes There's somebody walk... if he doesn't fall off, and he comes off, don't arrest him." doesn't fall off, and he comes off, don't arrest him." >> STIERS: Within minutes, off, don't arrest him." >> STIERS: Within minutes, police officers were dispatched >> STIERS: Within minutes, police officers were dispatched to the roof of the south tower. police officers were dispatched to the roof of the south tower. Sargent Charles Daniels of the to the roof of the south tower. Sargent Charles Daniels of the Port Authority Police never Sargent Charles Daniels of the Port Authority Police never forgot the things he saw that Port Authority Police never forgot the things he saw that day. forgot the things he saw that day. >> SGT. CHARLES DANIELS: Well, day. >> SGT. CHARLES DANIELS: Well, after arriving on the rooftop >> SGT. CHARLES DANIELS: Well, after arriving on the rooftop Officer Meyers and I observed after arriving on the rooftop Officer Meyers and I observed the tightrope "dancer"-- because Officer Meyers and I observed the tightrope "dancer"-- because you couldn't call him a the tightrope "dancer"-- because you couldn't call him a "walker"-- approximately halfway you couldn't call him a "walker"-- approximately halfway between the two towers. "walker"-- approximately halfway between the two towers. And upon seeing us, he started between the two towers. And upon seeing us, he started to smile and laugh, and he And upon seeing us, he started to smile and laugh, and he started going into a dancing to smile and laugh, and he started going into a dancing routine on the high wire. started going into a dancing routine on the high wire. He then went down to one knee, routine on the high wire. He then went down to one knee, and we stepped to the He then went down to one knee, and we stepped to the background. and we stepped to the background. I said for everyone to be quiet. background. I said for everyone to be quiet. And at this time, he lay down on I said for everyone to be quiet. And at this time, he lay down on the high wire, and, you know, And at this time, he lay down on the high wire, and, you know, just lackadaisically rolled the high wire, and, you know, just lackadaisically rolled around on the wire. just lackadaisically rolled around on the wire. He got up, he started walking around on the wire. He got up, he started walking and laughing and dancing. He got up, he started walking and laughing and dancing. And he turned around and ran and laughing and dancing. And he turned around and ran back out into the middle. And he turned around and ran back out into the middle. He was bouncing up and down. back out into the middle. He was bouncing up and down. His feet were actually leaving He was bouncing up and down. His feet were actually leaving the wire and then he would His feet were actually leaving the wire and then he would resettle back on the wire again, the wire and then he would resettle back on the wire again, unbelievably, really, to the resettle back on the wire again, unbelievably, really, to the point that we just... everybody unbelievably, really, to the point that we just... everybody was spellbound in the watching point that we just... everybody was spellbound in the watching of it. was spellbound in the watching of it. And, I, personally, figured I of it. And, I, personally, figured I was watching something that And, I, personally, figured I was watching something that somebody else would never see was watching something that somebody else would never see again in the world. somebody else would never see again in the world. But it was once in a lifetime. again in the world. But it was once in a lifetime. >> PETIT: During the walks, I But it was once in a lifetime. >> PETIT: During the walks, I had a sense of dancing on top of >> PETIT: During the walks, I had a sense of dancing on top of the world. had a sense of dancing on top of the world. I had a sense of having a the world. I had a sense of having a communion with the city of New I had a sense of having a communion with the city of New York, represented by the crowd communion with the city of New York, represented by the crowd below. York, represented by the crowd below. I had a sense of having stepped below. I had a sense of having stepped in otherworldly matters, that I had a sense of having stepped in otherworldly matters, that some point in one of the in otherworldly matters, that some point in one of the crossing, I laid down on the some point in one of the crossing, I laid down on the wire and looked at the sky, and crossing, I laid down on the wire and looked at the sky, and I saw a bird above me. wire and looked at the sky, and I saw a bird above me. And, again, because of my sense, I saw a bird above me. And, again, because of my sense, I could see that bird pretty And, again, because of my sense, I could see that bird pretty high up, and I saw the eyes were I could see that bird pretty high up, and I saw the eyes were red. high up, and I saw the eyes were red. And I thought that was a myth. red. And I thought that was a myth. But the bird was circling and And I thought that was a myth. But the bird was circling and looking at me, as if I was But the bird was circling and looking at me, as if I was invading his territory, as if I looking at me, as if I was invading his territory, as if I was trespassing, which I was. invading his territory, as if I was trespassing, which I was. So at some point, I thought the was trespassing, which I was. So at some point, I thought the gods... the god of the wind, the So at some point, I thought the gods... the god of the wind, the god of the towers, the god of gods... the god of the wind, the god of the towers, the god of the wire, all those invisible god of the towers, the god of the wire, all those invisible forces that we persist in the wire, all those invisible forces that we persist in thinking don't exist, but forces that we persist in thinking don't exist, but actually that rule our lives, thinking don't exist, but actually that rule our lives, might become impatient, might actually that rule our lives, might become impatient, might become annoyed by my persistent might become impatient, might become annoyed by my persistent vagabondage there. become annoyed by my persistent vagabondage there. So me intuition told me it was vagabondage there. So me intuition told me it was time for me to close the curtain So me intuition told me it was time for me to close the curtain of this very intimate time for me to close the curtain of this very intimate performance. of this very intimate performance. It was a walk between me and the performance. It was a walk between me and the Towers, and I landed on the same It was a walk between me and the Towers, and I landed on the same tower from which I started, the Towers, and I landed on the same tower from which I started, the south tower, and then I had the tower from which I started, the south tower, and then I had the octopus of the authority, you south tower, and then I had the octopus of the authority, you know, grab me by their hundreds octopus of the authority, you know, grab me by their hundreds of arms. know, grab me by their hundreds of arms. >> STIERS: When he came in off of arms. >> STIERS: When he came in off the wire, Petit was immediately >> STIERS: When he came in off the wire, Petit was immediately taken into custody and rudely the wire, Petit was immediately taken into custody and rudely manhandled down into an taken into custody and rudely manhandled down into an underground police station deep manhandled down into an underground police station deep beneath the south tower, where underground police station deep beneath the south tower, where he was formally charged with no beneath the south tower, where he was formally charged with no fewer than 14 misdemeanors, he was formally charged with no fewer than 14 misdemeanors, including criminal trespass, fewer than 14 misdemeanors, including criminal trespass, disregarding police orders, including criminal trespass, disregarding police orders, reckless endangerment and disregarding police orders, reckless endangerment and performing without a permit. reckless endangerment and performing without a permit. Then he was besieged by an army performing without a permit. Then he was besieged by an army of admiring reporters. Then he was besieged by an army of admiring reporters. >> REPORTER: Why did you do of admiring reporters. >> REPORTER: Why did you do this? >> REPORTER: Why did you do this? >> PETIT: That's the 1,000th this? >> PETIT: That's the 1,000th "why" this morning. >> PETIT: That's the 1,000th "why" this morning. There is no "why." "why" this morning. There is no "why." Just because when I see a There is no "why." Just because when I see a beautiful place to put my wire, Just because when I see a beautiful place to put my wire, I cannot resist. beautiful place to put my wire, I cannot resist. >> REPORTER: Weren't you afraid I cannot resist. >> REPORTER: Weren't you afraid up there at all? >> REPORTER: Weren't you afraid up there at all? >> PETIT: I was not afraid. up there at all? >> PETIT: I was not afraid. But I was just looking what I >> PETIT: I was not afraid. But I was just looking what I had in front of me. But I was just looking what I had in front of me. I have really something which had in front of me. I have really something which was huge and incredible, you I have really something which was huge and incredible, you know? was huge and incredible, you know? So afraid, not, but living more know? So afraid, not, but living more than 1,000%. So afraid, not, but living more than 1,000%. So perhaps that's close to than 1,000%. So perhaps that's close to afraid, I don't know. So perhaps that's close to afraid, I don't know. But at the same time, I was afraid, I don't know. But at the same time, I was happy, happy, happy... happy. But at the same time, I was happy, happy, happy... happy. You need dreams to live. happy, happy, happy... happy. You need dreams to live. It's as essential as a road to You need dreams to live. It's as essential as a road to walk on and as bread to eat. It's as essential as a road to walk on and as bread to eat. I would have felt myself dying walk on and as bread to eat. I would have felt myself dying if this dream would have been I would have felt myself dying if this dream would have been taken away from me by reason. if this dream would have been taken away from me by reason. The dream was as big as the taken away from me by reason. The dream was as big as the towers. The dream was as big as the towers. There was no way it could be towers. There was no way it could be taken away from me by authority, There was no way it could be taken away from me by authority, by reason, by destiny. taken away from me by authority, by reason, by destiny. It was really anchored to me in by reason, by destiny. It was really anchored to me in such a way that life was not It was really anchored to me in such a way that life was not conceivable without doing this. such a way that life was not conceivable without doing this. >> STIERS: The astonishing feat conceivable without doing this. >> STIERS: The astonishing feat of high-wire poetry was the >> STIERS: The astonishing feat of high-wire poetry was the highest point in Philippe of high-wire poetry was the highest point in Philippe Petit's life, and, in many ways, highest point in Philippe Petit's life, and, in many ways, in the life of the Twin Towers Petit's life, and, in many ways, in the life of the Twin Towers themselves. in the life of the Twin Towers themselves. As Guy Tozzoli had predicted, themselves. As Guy Tozzoli had predicted, the exploit was front-page news As Guy Tozzoli had predicted, the exploit was front-page news around the country and around the exploit was front-page news around the country and around the world, and Petit himself around the country and around the world, and Petit himself became an instant folk hero, and the world, and Petit himself became an instant folk hero, and nowhere more so than in New became an instant folk hero, and nowhere more so than in New York. nowhere more so than in New York. In the end, thanks in large part York. In the end, thanks in large part to Tozzoli himself, who In the end, thanks in large part to Tozzoli himself, who personally interceded with the to Tozzoli himself, who personally interceded with the judge, all charges were dropped, personally interceded with the judge, all charges were dropped, and the 24-year-old Frenchmen judge, all charges were dropped, and the 24-year-old Frenchmen was sentenced instead to perform and the 24-year-old Frenchmen was sentenced instead to perform for a group of children in was sentenced instead to perform for a group of children in Central Park. for a group of children in Central Park. >> HAMILL: Philippe Petit was Central Park. >> HAMILL: Philippe Petit was the first person to humanize >> HAMILL: Philippe Petit was the first person to humanize these things. the first person to humanize these things. You know, he put a human mark on these things. You know, he put a human mark on them. You know, he put a human mark on them. He said, "I don't care about them. He said, "I don't care about your architect and your plans He said, "I don't care about your architect and your plans for world trade; I'm gonna walk your architect and your plans for world trade; I'm gonna walk this thing." for world trade; I'm gonna walk this thing." And there he did, doing this this thing." And there he did, doing this amazing feat, in which the whole And there he did, doing this amazing feat, in which the whole city applauded, because, first amazing feat, in which the whole city applauded, because, first of all, it took guts and skill; city applauded, because, first of all, it took guts and skill; but, also, it took these two of all, it took guts and skill; but, also, it took these two buildings and he conquered them but, also, it took these two buildings and he conquered them in some astonishing way that had buildings and he conquered them in some astonishing way that had the whole town cheering. in some astonishing way that had the whole town cheering. But it was an astonishing the whole town cheering. But it was an astonishing moment, and after that, it never But it was an astonishing moment, and after that, it never happened again. moment, and after that, it never happened again. It's as if, you did that once, happened again. It's as if, you did that once, it was not to be repeated. It's as if, you did that once, it was not to be repeated. >> TOZZOLI: Fabulous. it was not to be repeated. >> TOZZOLI: Fabulous. You know, it's just that this >> TOZZOLI: Fabulous. You know, it's just that this guy had done this, and it made You know, it's just that this guy had done this, and it made the towers belong, if you would, guy had done this, and it made the towers belong, if you would, more to New York. the towers belong, if you would, more to New York. >> STIERS: Petit himself would more to New York. >> STIERS: Petit himself would never lose his deep love for the >> STIERS: Petit himself would never lose his deep love for the towers. never lose his deep love for the towers. In honor of his achievement, the towers. In honor of his achievement, the Port Authority presented him In honor of his achievement, the Port Authority presented him with a free lifetime pass to the Port Authority presented him with a free lifetime pass to the observation deck on the south with a free lifetime pass to the observation deck on the south tower, where, on a bright, observation deck on the south tower, where, on a bright, windswept afternoon not long tower, where, on a bright, windswept afternoon not long after his historic walk, he windswept afternoon not long after his historic walk, he signed his name in indelible ink after his historic walk, he signed his name in indelible ink on a steel beam overlooking the signed his name in indelible ink on a steel beam overlooking the vast canyon where he had danced on a steel beam overlooking the vast canyon where he had danced among the clouds. vast canyon where he had danced among the clouds. In the years to come, he would among the clouds. In the years to come, he would return to the high perch In the years to come, he would return to the high perch whenever he could, trying, return to the high perch whenever he could, trying, without success, to relive the whenever he could, trying, without success, to relive the amazing walk in his mind and without success, to relive the amazing walk in his mind and hoping to catch a glimpse one amazing walk in his mind and hoping to catch a glimpse one more time of the valiant seagull hoping to catch a glimpse one more time of the valiant seagull he had once seen sailing high more time of the valiant seagull he had once seen sailing high above him, a quarter of a mile he had once seen sailing high above him, a quarter of a mile in the sky. above him, a quarter of a mile in the sky. It never came. be grappling with the results for years to come. >> PETIT: I was upstate New York for years to come. >> PETIT: I was upstate New York when I heard of the towers being >> PETIT: I was upstate New York when I heard of the towers being destroyed. when I heard of the towers being destroyed. A side of me was not believing destroyed. A side of me was not believing it. A side of me was not believing it. It was a very strange blend of it. It was a very strange blend of feelings. It was a very strange blend of feelings. One was the sorrow, the horror feelings. One was the sorrow, the horror at witnessing human life being One was the sorrow, the horror at witnessing human life being obliterated for no reason like at witnessing human life being obliterated for no reason like that. obliterated for no reason like that. And I felt something beyond that. And I felt something beyond words. And I felt something beyond words. I felt almost an alive part of words. I felt almost an alive part of me being squeezed to nothing, I felt almost an alive part of me being squeezed to nothing, being extracted, an evisceration me being squeezed to nothing, being extracted, an evisceration almost. being extracted, an evisceration almost. It's an interesting question, almost. It's an interesting question, when you saw those two giant It's an interesting question, when you saw those two giant towers collapse almost cleanly when you saw those two giant towers collapse almost cleanly on themselves. towers collapse almost cleanly on themselves. Where did they go? on themselves. Where did they go? I have read in some architecture Where did they go? I have read in some architecture article that they were made I have read in some architecture article that they were made mostly of air, if you consider article that they were made mostly of air, if you consider the space between the solid mostly of air, if you consider the space between the solid molecules, the steel, the the space between the solid molecules, the steel, the concrete, the glass, the molecules, the steel, the concrete, the glass, the aluminum, there was a lot of concrete, the glass, the aluminum, there was a lot of air. aluminum, there was a lot of air. It was mostly air, actually. air. It was mostly air, actually. And they disappeared. It was mostly air, actually. And they disappeared. "Where did they go" was part of And they disappeared. "Where did they go" was part of the disbelief that I was "Where did they go" was part of the disbelief that I was feeling, because how you can the disbelief that I was feeling, because how you can make 200,000 tons of steel feeling, because how you can make 200,000 tons of steel disappear? make 200,000 tons of steel disappear? It's unbelievable.