"100 Years" is a unique cinematic project that challenges the boundaries of film and time. Spearheaded by acclaimed actor and writer John Malkovich, this film was announced in 2015 and is slated for a release almost a century later, in 2115. The concept behind "100 Years" is rooted in exploring the nature of time and the permanence of cinema, questioning the immediate nature of film consumption in our current era and contrasting it with a future audience's perspective.
The film itself is stored in a state-of-the-art safe equipped with high tech, bulletproof glass that is timed to open automatically on its release date in November 2115. This safe not only protects the film physically but also symbolically seals the work away from the eyes of the world, making it a time capsule of the early 21st century's cinematic and cultural thoughts. The idea was further emphasized during its announcement through a series of teaser trailers and speculative posters that invited the audience to ponder what the themes and narratives of the film might entail, even though they would not be around to see it.
John Malkovich, who is known for his often surreal and complex roles, plays a central part in both writing and acting in this project. This involvement suggests a highly personal and perhaps introspective work, reflected through his view of society's future. Moreover, the making of "100 Years" speaks to the evolving nature of film and art, serving not only as entertainment but as a long-term social experiment. By locking away a piece of contemporary creativity, the project bridges generations, linking the past, present, and future through a shared yet evolving cultural lens.
The concept of "100 Years" mirrors some historical precedents, such as time capsules or messages to future civilizations, yet it innovates by leveraging the cultural weight and immediate impact of a feature film. It poses significant questions: What will the future audience think of our world? Will the content still be relevant or understandable to viewers in 2115? This movie is an invitation to future generations to see the past through the lens of cinema, asking them to interpret and understand the artistic expressions made a century ago.
While the contents remain a guarded secret, the discussion it stimulates about the role of art and media, the persistence of cultural expressions, and our perceptions towards time and mortality, are perhaps as important as the film itself. As we speculate on its themes and narratives, "100 Years" serves as a philosophical inquiry into the longevity of art and the transformative visions that filmmakers can offer to both their contemporaries and to those far beyond their time.
