Static was filmed from a helicopter circling around the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbour. It was shot shortly after the monument was fully re-opened following the September 11th attacks. Flying alongside the statue, the camera presents us with startling close-up views of its oxidised copper surface. The continual sense of movement is disorienting, undermining its sense of permanence and stability.
Direction
McQueen weaponizes motion sickness into political statement.
Cinematography
Copper pores never looked so vulnerable.
Sound
Helicopter drone becomes accidental score.
Director
Steve McQueen
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
McQueen filmed this during Liberty's fragile reopening, turning a symbol of welcome into something queasy and uncertain.
The title 'Static' is pure irony—nothing here stays still, including your stomach.
US
