On the night of July 25, 1964, Andy Warhol and filmmaker Jonas Mekas set up a camera on the forty-fourth floor of the Time-Life Building, dedicating six hours to filming the Empire State Building. The result, Empire, is an eight-hour-long stationary shot of the iconic skyscraper, capturing its subtle transformations under changing light and shadow. This cinematic work stands as a modern homage to New York’s architectural marvel, akin to Claude Monet’s renowned studies of Rouen Cathedral.
Special Anniversary Screening
To mark the anniversary of Empire, a special screening will take place on the 80th floor of the Empire State Building. Organized by the Museum of Modern Art in partnership with the Andy Warhol Museum and the Empire State Building Observatory Experience, the film will be shown from 9 a.m. to midnight. Whether you visit in the morning for sweeping views of Manhattan or at night to experience the dramatic contrasts in Warhol’s film, the screening offers a unique glimpse into both the city’s past and Warhol’s artistic vision.
A Tribute to New York’s Artistic Legacy
Rajendra Roy, Chief Curator of Film at MoMA, highlights the significance of Empire in the museum’s collection. “Andy Warhol’s ‘Empire’ is as enigmatic and inspiring as the building it focuses on,” Roy notes. “This film revolutionized how we perceive cinema, redefining our understanding of time, movement, and drama.”
Warhol’s Experimental Approach
In true Warhol fashion, Empire avoids a traditional narrative, serving instead as a cinematic experiment. Warhol described the film as an opportunity “to see time go by,” offering viewers a rare look at a past era of New York City. The film captures a moment when the Empire State Building was uniquely illuminated for the New York World’s Fair, transforming the building into what was described as “a chandelier suspended in the sky.”
The Appeal of Monotony
Although initially met with mixed reactions and labeled as boring, Empire continues to fascinate audiences. Mekas, reflecting on the film’s impact in 2014, attributed the film’s dedication to the Empire State Building itself. He encouraged viewers to endure the film’s seemingly monotonous pace, promising a stunning visual payoff as the floodlights illuminate the building after the two-hour mark.
Experience Empire This Weekend
For those interested in Warhol’s artistic innovation and a historical view of New York’s skyline, the Empire State Building screening offers a rare opportunity. Whether you choose to visit during the day or at night, Empire promises an exceptional cinematic experience and a deeper appreciation of one of New York’s most iconic landmarks.
Feature image: Empire (1964)| Courtesy: Imdb
