Empire

Empire is an experimental film consisting of a single, static, eight-hour-long shot of the Empire State Building. Filmed on July 25, 1964, beginning at 9:09 AM and ending at 5:09 AM the next day, the film captures the building as daylight fades into darkness, and the lights within the skyscraper are turned on. The prolonged duration and unchanging perspective challenge traditional cinematic conventions, inviting viewers to contemplate time, space, and the urban landscape.

Empire is widely regarded as a seminal work of experimental cinema and a significant piece in Andy Warhol's oeuvre. It is praised for its radical departure from narrative filmmaking and its exploration of durational art. While its extreme length makes it inaccessible to mainstream audiences, it is highly respected within art and film circles for its conceptual boldness and its unique examination of an iconic landmark.

• A groundbreaking, albeit challenging, exercise in durational art and minimalist filmmaking.
• The film's extreme length and static shot provoke contemplation on time and perception.
• Recognized for its conceptual ambition rather than traditional cinematic appeal.

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Considered a landmark in experimental film and a key work of Andy Warhol's artistic output.

The film was shot on 16mm film, and while the projection time is eight hours, the actual filming took place over an eight-hour period within a 24-hour span, capturing the building through various light conditions.