Why films have become so ridiculously long
Popular films are nearly 50% longer today than in the 1930s
Want to know what is coming soon to a cinema near you? Probably not an hour-and-a-half-long movie, as in the old days. This year audiences have endured the longest instalments yet in the “Indiana Jones”, “John Wick” and “Mission: Impossible” franchises. “Oppenheimer”, Christopher Nolan’s three-hour blockbuster, required 11 miles (18km) of film stock for IMAX showings.
This article appeared in the Culture section of the print edition under the headline “Movie marathons”
From the October 21st 2023 edition
Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents
Explore the editionMore from Culture
Performing in a cinema near you: Bob Dylan and Maria Callas
Behind the boom in musical biopics
Can Magnus Carlsen convince people to watch chess?
The world’s best player hopes that glamming up the ancient game can make stars of its players
Are internet firms the problem, or are you the problem?
A veteran critic of technology offers his take on a familiar target
The Michelin Guide is no longer the only tastemaker in town
How is it adapting to changing eating habits?
Why “Emilia Pérez” is loved by Hollywood and hated by everyone else
And the Oscar for Worst Picture goes to…
Tofu: never judge a food by its political reputation
Think outside the white plastic box. Here is a carnivore’s guide to tofu