Millions in Business as Usual 1961
Rudy Burckhardt's 'Millions in Business as Usual (1961)' transforms the bustling energy of New York City into a visual symphony, structured around a Haydn piano sonata.
Director: Rudy Burckhardt
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Millions in Business as Usual (1961) about?
This experimental short film follows the structure of a Haydn piano sonata through three distinct movements, each capturing different aspects of New York City life—from crowded midtown streets to quiet architectural studies and finally the frenetic energy of Times Square in color.
Who directed Millions in Business as Usual?
The film was directed by Rudy Burckhardt, known for his avant-garde approach to capturing urban landscapes and everyday life on film.
Who stars in Millions in Business as Usual?
Cast information for this experimental short is not available, as the film focuses on urban imagery rather than traditional narrative performances.
Is Millions in Business as Usual (1961) worth watching?
With its unique artistic vision and historical value as a 1960s experimental short, the film offers a distinctive viewing experience for fans of avant-garde cinema and New York City documentaries, despite lacking formal ratings.
How long is Millions in Business as Usual?
The film runs for approximately 15 minutes.
Millions in Business as Usual (1961) — Experimental NYC Symphony
Rudy Burckhardt's 'Millions in Business as Usual (1961)' transforms the bustling energy of New York City into a visual symphony, structured around a Haydn piano sonata. The 15-minute experimental short opens with the allegro movement, where midtown pedestrians weave through streets in a choreographed dance of near-misses and urban rhythm. As the tempo slows, stately architecture takes center stage—ornate columns, cornices, and grand portals create a meditative study in stone and shadow, with only the camera's gentle motion breaking the stillness.
The film's final movement erupts in vibrant color around Times Square, accelerating the pace to match Haydn's frantic finale. This cinematic poem captures the heartbeat of 1960s Manhattan, blending classical music structure with avant-garde filmmaking techniques. Burckhardt's unique vision offers a time capsule of urban life, where everyday chaos becomes art and the city itself becomes the performer. A brief but mesmerizing exploration of movement, space, and time.