The Longest Movies in Film History

When considering the longevity of film production, two distinct records emerge: the movie with the longest production time and the longest film ever made. Both of these records are fascinating, showcasing the unique challenges and creative processes that filmmakers face over long periods.

The Longest Production Time: The Other Side of the Wind

Orson Welles' ambitious film project, The Other Side of the Wind, holds the record as the film with the longest production time, stretching over 48 years.

Welles began working on the project in 1970 but encountered constant delays and interruptions due to financial and personal issues. His untimely death in 1985 did not put an end to the project; other filmmakers continued to work on and refine the film. It was finally completed and released in 2018, marking the end of a historic and challenging journey. The film received critical acclaim, scoring an 84 on Rotten Tomatoes and garnering significant recognition.

The Longest Film Ever Made: Napoléon

On the other end of the spectrum, the longest film ever produced is the 1927 silent French epic Napoléon. Clocking in at an impressive five hours and 30 minutes, this film is more than just a long movie; it is a cinematic masterpiece.

Directed by Abel Gance, Napoléon not only tells the story of Napoleon's early years but also showcases the innovative filmmaking techniques that were far ahead of its time. The film is a showcase of fluid camera motion, made possible through extensive close-ups, hand-held shots, location shooting, and point of view shots. It also includes the use of multiple-camera setups, split-screen, and even multi-screen projection, which had never been seen before in film history. Techniques like fast cutting, superimposition, kaleidoscopic images, film tinting, and very innovative visual effects such as multiple exposure and mosaic shots set a new standard for filmmaking.

Conclusion

These two films, The Other Side of the Wind and Napoléon, represent two different aspects of film history. The former is a testament to the resilience and determination of a filmmaker, while the latter demonstrates the technical and artistic achievements of early 20th-century cinema. Both stories highlight the immense effort and time that goes into creating a film, whether it's a long production time or an extended runtime.

By exploring the longest film production and the longest movie ever made, we can appreciate the challenges and advancements in filmmaking. From the intricacies of Abel Gance's Napoléon to Orson Welles' The Other Side of the Wind, these films continue to inspire and awe us, showcasing the endless possibilities of cinema.