“Films about architects” is a fascinating genre that often explores the creative process, the struggle for artistic integrity, and the impact of architecture on society and individuals. These films often delve into the complexities of design, the challenges of construction, and the personal lives of architects.
“The Fountainhead”, 1949
Director: King Vidor
Directed by King Vidor, this film is based on Ayn Rand's novel and follows the story of an idealistic young architect, Howard Roark, who battles against conventional standards and refuses to compromise his artistic vision.
Starring: Gary Cooper, Patricia Neal, Raymond Massey, Kent Smith, Robert Douglas, Henry Hull, Ray Collins, Moroni Olsen, Jerome Cowan, Ed Agresti, John Alban, Bob Alden, John Alvin, Morris Ankrum, Lois Austin, Griff Barnett, Edward Biby, George Blagoi, Monte Blue, Gail Bonney, Ralph Brooks, Nora Bush, James Carlisle, Steve Carruthers, Glen Cavender, Dick Cherney, Dorothy Christy, Tristram Coffin, Tom Coleman, G. Pat Collins, James Conaty, Bill Dagwell, Sayre Dearing, Ann Doran, Lester Dorr, John Doucette, Jay Eaton, Estelle Etterre, Charles Evans, Franklyn Farnum, Charles Fogel, Kay Garrett, Kenneth Gibson, James Gonzalez, Roy Gordon, Herschel Graham, William Haade, Creighton Hale, Jonathan Hale, Thurston Hall;
Production year: 1949;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
Age: 16+;
Duration: 114 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “The Fountainhead” on the website imdb.com
“The Belly of an Architect”, 1987
Director: Peter Greenaway
Directed by Peter Greenaway, this film stars Brian Dennehy as an American architect who is in Rome to mount an exhibition about Etienne-Louis Boullee. As his wife becomes more involved in his work, he becomes increasingly obsessed with his project, leading to emotional and physical disintegration.
Starring: Brian Dennehy, Chloe Webb, Lambert Wilson, Sergio Fantoni, Stefania Casini, Vanni Corbellini, Alfredo Varelli, Geoffrey Copleston, Francesco Carnelutti, Marino Masé, Marne Maitland, Claudio Spadaro, Rate Furlan, Julian Jenkins, Enrica Maria Scrivano, Ricardo Ussani, Stefano Gragnani, Andrea Prodan, Fabio Sartor, Lamberto Solfa;
Production year: 1987;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 119 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “The Belly of an Architect” on the website imdb.com
“Sketches of Frank Gehry”, 2005
Director: Sydney Pollack
Directed by Sydney Pollack, this documentary discusses the life and work of the renowned architect Frank Gehry, exploring his creative process, his impact on architecture, and his relationships with clients and the public.
Starring: Charles Arnoldi, Barry Diller, Michael Eisner, Rolf Fehlbaum, Hal Foster, Mildred Friedman, Frank Gehry, Bob Geldof, Dennis Hopper, Charles Jencks, Philip Johnson, Thomas Krens, Peter Lewis, Herbert Muschamp, Michael Ovitz, Norman Rosenthal, Edward Ruscha, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Julian Schnabel, Milton Wexler;
Production year: 2005;
Genre: documentary, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 83 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Sketches of Frank Gehry” on the website imdb.com
“The Architect”, 2006
Director: Matt Tauber
Directed by Matt Tauber, this film tells the story of an architect who is designing a large urban development and becomes involved with a couple who live on the land where the development is to be built.
Starring: Anthony LaPaglia, Viola Davis, Isabella Rossellini, Hayden Panettiere, Sebastian Stan, Paul James, Serena Reeder, Walton Goggins, Malcolm Goodwin, Marsha Stephanie Blake, Lauren Hodges, Duane McLaughlin, Julius Tennon, Eisa Davis, James O'Toole, David Call, Constance Wu, Nikkole Salter, Tijuana Ricks, Adrienne D. Williams, Lynda Gravatt, Alex McCord, Chris Chalk, Julie Carlson, J. King, Alyson Weaver, Helen McCrory, Kevin McKidd, Matthew Sean Blumm, Sally Ann Brooks, Marcus Collins, Amelia Kallman;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: drama, melodrama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 82 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,5;
More information about the film “The Architect” on the website imdb.com
These films offer a diverse and compelling look at the world of architecture, from personal struggles to societal impact, and are sure to captivate audiences with their exploration of creativity, passion, and the built environment.
In conclusion, films about architects offer a compelling exploration of creativity, ambition, and the human experience, often reflecting the intricate relationship between design and personal identity. From the visionary struggles depicted in “The Fountainhead” to the poignant narratives of ambition and failure found in “The Great Beauty,” these films not only showcase the architectural marvels that shape our world but also delve into the minds of those who create them. As audiences, we are invited to ponder the profound impact of architecture on society and our own lives, reminding us that behind every structure lies a story of passion, conflict, and the relentless pursuit of beauty and meaning. Whether through biographical accounts or fictional tales, these cinematic journeys reveal that architecture is much more than just buildings; it is a reflection of our dreams and aspirations.
