Welcome, dear readers! Have you ever wondered how the world of architecture is portrayed in cinema? Do you find yourself intrigued by the lives of visionary architects or amazed by the stunning designs that become the backdrop of unforgettable stories? If so, you are in the right place. This article explores the fascinating intersection of architecture and film, addressing the key questions you might have about this unique blend of art forms.
In this article, we will investigate a range of films that bring the world of architecture to life on screen. From narrative films that focus on the personal and professional lives of architects, such as “The Fountainhead” and “Life as a House,” to documentaries that offer an in-depth look at the work and legacy of renowned architects like Louis Kahn and Frank Gehry, we will cover a broad spectrum of cinematic experiences.
Narrative Films About Architects
1. The Fountainhead (1949)
“The Fountainhead” is a 1949 American drama film directed by King Vidor, based on the bestselling 1943 novel of the same name by Ayn Rand. The movie stars Gary Cooper as Howard Roark, an uncompromising, visionary architect who struggles to maintain his integrity and individualism despite personal, professional, and economic pressures to conform to popular standards.
2. Life as a House (2001)
“Life as a House” is a drama film that tells the story of a man named George, a noted architect, who decides to build his dream house in his backyard. The movie explores George’s personal life and relationships, including his strained relationship with his son Sam, played by Hayden Christensen, who is an architecture student.
3. The Architect (2006)
“The Architect” is a drama film that explores the relationship between an architect and a community activist who lives in a dangerous complex designed by the architect. The movie stars Anthony LaPaglia, Viola Davis, and Isabella Rossellini. The film’s magnificent visual design and architecture are among its most memorable features, and it provides an intriguing look into the world of modern American architecture. The movie is a must-see for architecture students and enthusiasts alike who want to explore the complexities of designing modern apartment complexes and the impact of architecture on the community.
4. The Lake House (2006)
“The Lake House” is a 2006 American romantic drama film directed by Alejandro Agresti. The Lake House is a film that shows many of the daily issues of architects’ lives. The movie features the work of noted architect Louis Kahn, whose designs are known for their timeless beauty and simplicity. The Lake House explores the seemingly ordinary spaces and how they can be transformed into something extraordinary through modern American architecture. The film also features architecture students crossing paths with one of the most innovative designers of the future city.
Documentaries on Architects and Architecture
1. My Architect: A Son’s Journey (2003)
“My Architect: A Son’s Journey” is a documentary film directed by Nathaniel Kahn about the life and work of the noted architect Louis Kahn. The documentary explores Louis Kahn’s personal life and showcases his significant influence on modern American architecture and his innovative designs that transformed seemingly ordinary spaces into works of art.
2. Sketches of Frank Gehry (2005)
Sketches of Frank Gehry is a documentary that explores the life and work of the acclaimed architect Frank Gehry. The film, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, features interviews with Gehry himself, as well as other architects and artists who have worked with him.
3. Citizen Architect: Samuel Mockbee and the Spirit of the Rural Studio (2010)
The documentary explores the life of Samuel Mockbee, and his efforts to engage architecture in issues of poverty, race, education, and good citizenship. The film features interviews with Mockbee, his peers, and those he has influenced.
4. Eames: The Architect and the Painter (2011)
The documentary film, Eames: The Architect and the Painter (2011), explores the life and works of Charles and Ray Eames, making it a compelling watch for anyone interested in architecture. The film’s use of archival footage and interviews with the couple’s contemporaries provides an intimate look at their creative process and the impact they had on the world of design.
5. The Human Scale (2012)
The documentary The Human Scale highlights the shift from human-scale to car-scale cities in the 20th century and showcases both successful and failed urban projects. It delivers a crucial message for the future: with over 10 billion people by 2050, over half living in cities, we can create sustainable, livable spaces by centering urban planning on people. It advocates for a collaborative, inclusive approach to design, contrasting with the top-down modernist perspective.
6. Architecture of Infinity (2018)
Architecture of Infinity is a documentary film directed by Christoph Schaub that explores the concept of transcendence in architecture. The film features interviews with innovative designers such as Peter Zumthor, Peter Märkli, and Álvaro Siza Vieira, as well as artists James Turrell and Cristina Iglesias. It explores the effects of space beyond the mere seeing and explaining of buildings. The documentary also examines seemingly ordinary spaces and how they can be transformed into something extraordinary.
7. BIG Time (2017)
BIG Time is a documentary that follows the life of Bjarke Ingels, one of the most innovative architects of our time. The film explores his personal life, his work with the BIG architecture firm, and his influence on modern American architecture.
8. How Much Does Your Building Weigh, Mr. Foster? (2010)
“How Much Does Your Building Weigh, Mr. Foster?” is a 2010 documentary film that explores the life and work of one of the world’s most innovative designers, architect Norman Foster. The film traces Foster’s rise from a working-class background to become one of the most important architects in the world.
Films Highlighting Architectural Marvels
1. Metropolis (1927)
Metropolis is a 1927 German expressionist science-fiction film directed by Fritz Lang. The film is set in a futuristic urban dystopia and explores the relationship between the working class and the wealthy elite.
Metropolis features a range of elaborate special effects and set designs. Metropolis is regarded as one of the most important architectural movies ever made.
2. Blade Runner (1982) and Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Blade Runner (1982) and Blade Runner 2049 (2017) are two of the most iconic architecture movies that explore the themes of future cities and dystopia. The movies showcase stunning visuals of futuristic cities, with towering skyscrapers, sprawling urban landscapes, and neon-lit streets, and demonstrate how architecture plays a crucial role in shaping the future of humanity.
3. Inception (2010)
Inception (2010), created by Christopher Nolan, features an incredible story in which characters like Ariadne, who is an architecture student, bring their real-world architectural skills into the dream world, applying their knowledge to construct complex and realistic dream settings.
4. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
The Grand Budapest Hotel, directed by Wes Anderson, is a remarkable film about place, memory, and how the values of a lost era can live on through architecture. The hotel’s grandeur, with its atrium, circular reception desk, and mullioned windows, reflects the movie’s title. This ‘updated’ Grand Budapest Hotel mirrors Soviet architecture’s reputation for drabness, yet also hints at the stern optimism of modernism and the elegance of the distant past.
5. Parasite (2019)
Parasite (2019) is a critically acclaimed film that explores themes of social inequality and class struggle through its use of architecture and seemingly ordinary spaces. The film’s set design and visual language reveal deeper ideas, with the built environment repeatedly revealing where people belong in the social structure or whether they have a presence at all.
Architecture Movies: A Recap
Architecture movies offer viewers a distinct perspective on architecture, encompassing both documentaries and feature films. These movies enchant audiences globally and showcase the intricacy of architectural design. They reveal that architecture transcends mere building construction, as it crafts spaces capable of evoking emotions and narratives. By exploring ordinary settings, these films demonstrate the potential for transformation into dreamlike residences.
