The Intriguing Phenomenon of Long Movie Marathons
There is something fascinating about the endurance of the human spirit. We climb mountains, run marathons, and even watch films for hours on end. In fact, the world of cinema has seen some incredibly long continuous film screenings. These are not your usual movie marathons; these are epic journeys of cinematic endurance that test the limits of what is humanly possible. Here are the top eight longest continuous film screenings.
Modern Times Forever (Stora Enso Building, Helsinki)
The longest film ever screened was "Modern Times Forever" in Helsinki, Finland. This film ran continuously for 240 hours, which is the equivalent of ten days. The film is a slow-paced depiction of the Stora Enso Building and how it would decay over the next few thousand years. This film was shown outdoors in 2011 and has not been screened in its entirety since.
The Cure for Insomnia
"The Cure for Insomnia" is a film that is not just long; it is an exercise in endurance. The 1987 film has a runtime of 5220 minutes or 87 hours. Directed by John Henry Timmis IV, the film doesn't have a traditional plot. Instead, it features a continuous reading of a 4000-page poem interspersed with heavy metal music and pornographic film clips.
Untitled #125 (Hickory)
Coming in at a whopping 2,400 minutes (or 40 hours), "Untitled #125 (Hickory)" by Josh Azzarella is a silent, black-and-white film. It was screened in 2008 at the Mark Moore Gallery. This film is a looping depiction of the famed "Hickory Dickory Dock" nursery rhyme, capturing the essence of time in its most literal sense.
Cinématon
French director Gérard Courant's "Cinématon" is a collection of 3-minute silent portraits of various personalities, including filmmakers, actors, and artists. With over 2,916 individual portraits, the total running time is a staggering 195 hours. The film began production in 1978 and continues to this day.
The Longest Most Meaningless Movie in the World
The title of this film is quite self-explanatory. At a length of 48 hours, "The Longest Most Meaningless Movie in the World" was composed entirely of unused film clips. Produced by Anthony Scott in 1970, it is quite the spectacle of random and unrelated footage.
Beijing 2003
"Beijing 2003" is a 150-hour film by Chinese artist Ai Weiwei. The film, shot over ten days, is a continuous journey through the streets of Beijing. It is a testament to the city's ever-changing landscape and a fascinating study of urban life.
24 Hour Psycho
"24 Hour Psycho" by artist Douglas Gordon is a slowed-down version of Alfred Hitchcock's classic film "Psycho". The film, originally 109 minutes long, was stretched to a 24-hour run-time. It was an artistic experiment that forced viewers to experience every second of the suspenseful film in extreme slow motion.
Logistics
"Logistics" by Erika Magnusson and Daniel Andersson is considered the longest film ever made. It is an experimental film that traces the journey of a pedometer from its manufacture to its eventual use. The film's total runtime is a jaw-dropping 857 hours or 35 days and 17 hours.
These films defy the conventions of regular cinema and redefine the concept of a movie marathon. They push the boundaries of endurance and patience, offering a unique experience to those brave enough to endure. So, if you're looking for a challenge, consider one of these marathons. Just remember to bring plenty of popcorn.