Empire (1965)

Long time supporter Kent has picked the 1965 experimental film Empire for this week!. True to form in the year of the stitch-up, Kent has chosen a film that’s as unconventional and divisive as it gets. Directed by Andy Warhol, Empire exemplifies the avant-garde spirit of mid-1960s New York, pushing the boundaries of traditional cinema with radical minimalism, extreme duration, and an obsessive focus on observation as art.

The production of Empire was as audacious as the film’s concept. Warhol employed a static 8-hour continuous shot of the Empire State Building, with no camera movement or dialogue, letting the mere passage of time become the centerpiece. Shot at Warhol’s Factory studio, the production encouraged collaboration among artists and performers, embracing monotony and stillness as creative tools. Though challenging for conventional audiences, Empire has secured its place as a landmark in experimental filmmaking and continues to influence artists interested in perception, endurance, and the art of cinematic patience.

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Trailer Guy Plot Summary

Imagine… eight hours.

A single frame.

A building.

From the legendary Andy Warhol comes the film that redefines patience, perception, and what it means to watch a movie. Empire — the Empire State Building like you’ve never stared at it before, daring you to survive the longest cinematic gaze in history. Will you sit… or will time sit on you?

Empire — it’s not just a film, it’s a test.

Fun Facts

1. Originally shot in 6.5 hours – The film was filmed over approximately 6 hours and 36 minutes, from 8:06 p.m. to 2:42 a.m. on July 25–26, 1964.

2. Extended to 8 hours in projection – By projecting the film at 16 frames per second instead of the standard 24 fps, Warhol extended the runtime to roughly 8 hours.

3. Andy Warhol’s experimental movie – Empire is a landmark in avant-garde cinema, cementing Warhol’s reputation as a pioneer in minimalist filmmaking.

4. Filmed at The Factory – Production took place at Warhol’s famous New York studio, a hub for artists, musicians, and performers.

5. No camera movement – The camera remains completely static for the entire duration, emphasizing stillness and observation.

6. No dialogue or actors – The film features no spoken lines, with the Empire State Building itself as the “star” of the work.

7. Endurance viewing experience – Original screenings required audiences to sit for the full 8 hours, turning watching into a performance art experience.

8. Influence on experimental cinema – Empire inspired future filmmakers and artists interested in minimalist cinema and long-duration art films.

9. Screened in galleries and museums – Rather than conventional cinemas, Empire is often exhibited in art institutions, highlighting its status as both visual art and film.

10. Historical record of 1960s New York – The film captures the Empire State Building and surrounding skyline before major renovations, preserving a piece of mid-1960s Manhattan.

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