Empire City
“The City That Never Sleeps”
Synopsis
A film essay contrasting the modern metropolis with its "golden age" from 1830-1930, with the participation of some of New York's leading political and cultural figures. Made at a time when the city was experiencing unprecedented real estate development on the one hand and unforeseen displacement of population and deterioration on the other. Empire City is the story of two New Yorks. The film explores the precarious coexistence of the service-based midtown Manhattan corporate headquarters with the peripheral New York of undereducated minorities living in increasing alienation.
Top Cast
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Release History & Theatrical Window
July 1, 1985
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Michael Blackwood
- Screenplay & Story
- Frances Fitzgerald
- Original Score
- Philip Glass
- Original Title
- Empire City
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 29m
- Production Studios
- Michael Blackwood Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Michael Blackwood
Frances Fitzgerald
Philip Glass
Mead Hunt
Ned Bastille
Michael Blackwood, Peter Brugger
Department Leadership Roster
Mead Hunt
Director of Photography
Michael Blackwood
Producer
Philip Glass
Original Music Composer
Ned Bastille
Editor
Frances Fitzgerald
Writer
Michael Blackwood
Director
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
G: General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.
International Certification Matrix
General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Empire City.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Empire City.
500 best 85's movies
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Frequently Asked Questions About Empire City
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Empire City about?
A film essay contrasting the modern metropolis with its "golden age" from 1830-1930, with the participation of some of New York's leading political and cultural figures. Made at a time when the city was experiencing unprecedented real estate development on the one hand and unforeseen displacement of population and deterioration on the other. Empire City is the story of two New Yorks. The film explores the precarious coexistence of the service-based midtown Manhattan corporate headquarters with the peripheral New York of undereducated minorities living in increasing alienation.
Who directed Empire City?
Empire City was directed by Michael Blackwood.
Who stars in Empire City?
The principal cast of Empire City includes Donald Trump, Ed Koch, Jane Jacobs, Elia Kazan, Norman Mailer.
When was Empire City released and how long is it?
Empire City was released in 1985 with a total runtime of 1h 29m.
Who composed the musical score for Empire City?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Empire City was composed by Philip Glass.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Empire City?
Empire City holds official age classifications: US: G (General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.).