The Empire State building has long served New York as a beacon of prosperity and economic prowess. This art-deco structure stands 1,454 feet above 34th street, cloaked in stainless steel and nostalgia. Aside from its opulence, this building has been the site for a multitude of conflicts, emotions, romances, reunions, and tragedies as depicted in various American films. Here is a glance at the legacy and representation of The Empire State Building through the lens of America’s most timeless classics.
1. King Kong (1933)
In King Kong, The Empire State Building represents magnitude and technological advancement. In 1933, when King Kong was released, The Empire State Building was the largest man-made structure in the entire world. This movie proved to its global audience that not only did America have the technology and power to build the Empire State Building, but also possessed the technology and power to put a 100-foot gorilla on top of it with the use of never-before-seen special effects. The result was astounding and further cemented the Empire State Building as the face of capitalism and economic growth in the United States.
2. An Affair to Remember (1957)
In An Affair to Remember, The Empire State Building represents unreal expectations and romanticized ignorance. Nicky and Terry meet on a cruise ship and develop feelings for each other despite having significant others at the time. They agree to reunite at the Empire State Building in six months, time enough to rid themselves of their respective ball and chain and start out on new career paths. Terry is left paralyzed from a car accident on her way to the building, leaving Nickie to wonder what could have been. Both characters had lofty expectations of their romance and hoped to seal their love on the observation deck of the world’s most glamorous structure. In reality, their reunion happens years later at Terry’s house, where her condition is finally revealed. The ordeal is emotional, raw and honest, sans the elegance and blind romance the Empire State Building offered.
3. Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
Inspired by An Affair to Remember, Annie considers the Empire State Building the perfect spot for a reunion with her mystery radioman, which is just what the building represents in this movie. After months of ill-timed coincidences, back and forth, and lackluster relationships, The Empire State Building finally brings two people that are perfect for each other, together. Sleepless in Seattle’s Empire State Building represents reunion and the serendipitous nature of New York City and its lovers.
4. Elf (2003)
The Empire State Building in Elf represents a prison from personal life. Walter Hobbs is a bitter, work-obsessed Rapunzel who is eventually saved by his son, a blissfully naive elf. Walter’s priorities revolve around his job at a children’s book publishing firm. Though his career path is founded on children, he continues to choose work over family. He even spends Christmas Eve in his office, further establishing The Empire State Building as a symbol of the career culture in New York City. His incessant loyalty to his job sheds light on the dark underbelly of a seemingly glamorous 9-5.
