Think you’ve seen a long movie? Maybe you powered through all three Lord of the Rings extended editions in one go, or perhaps even sat through a director’s cut that felt like an eternity. Well, my friend, prepare yourself. Because there’s a film out there that makes those cinematic epics look like a TikTok video. And its name? Logistics.
The Mind-Boggling Numbers
I recently stumbled upon a Reddit post that blew my mind, revealing the existence of Logistics, a Swedish experimental film from 2012. Get this: it clocks in at a staggering 51,420 minutes. If you’re doing the math, that’s 857 hours, or approximately 35 days and 17 hours. Yes, you read that right. Over a month of continuous viewing.
But wait, there’s more! The trailer for Logistics is a mere 7 hours and 20 minutes long. Let that sink in. The preview is longer than most feature films you’ve ever watched. Imagine settling in with popcorn, ready for a quick glimpse, only to realize you’ve accidentally signed up for a full workday of… well, a trailer. Talk about setting expectations!
What Is ‘Logistics’ About, Anyway?
So, what could possibly fill 35 days of screen time? Is it a detailed history of the universe? A live stream of paint drying? Surprisingly, it’s far more specific and, in its own way, fascinating. Logistics is a real-time, reverse chronological journey tracing the lifecycle of a pedometer. The film follows the product from its final sale back through every step of its manufacturing, transportation, and assembly, all the way to its origin point in a factory.
It’s essentially a deep dive into the global supply chain, a topic that’s usually discussed in boardrooms or business school lectures, but here, it’s presented as an extreme cinematic experience. From the factory floor in China to a retail store in Sweden, you see every single moment of its journey.
More Than Just a Long Film: The ‘Why’
At its core, Logistics isn’t just about being long for the sake of it. It’s a profound piece of endurance art and a commentary on consumerism, globalization, and the sheer scale of modern manufacturing. It forces you to confront the hidden complexities behind the everyday objects we take for granted. It’s a meditation on time, labor, and the invisible processes that power our world.
For anyone interested in technology, business, or even just the random, mind-bending facts of our world, Logistics offers a unique perspective. It highlights the intricate dance of parts and processes, the very ‘logistics’ that underpin our global economy. It makes you think about how AI and automation are beginning to optimize these very systems, potentially making them even more complex (or, perhaps, more efficient).
Could You Watch It?
In an age of TikToks and instant gratification, the idea of watching a 35-day film feels almost rebellious. Our attention spans are constantly being challenged, and Logistics stands as a monumental counterpoint to the fast-paced content we’re accustomed to. It challenges our perception of what a film can be and what it means to truly observe something.
While I haven’t personally cleared my schedule for a month-long viewing party, the mere existence of Logistics is a powerful reminder of the incredible, sometimes absurd, things humans create. It’s a testament to the idea that art can push boundaries, challenge norms, and make us look at the world, and our place in it, a little differently. Maybe it’s time to redefine ‘binge-watching’ for good!