Films about architecture often explore the art and science of designing buildings and other physical structures. These films can serve as a tribute to the influence of architecture on society, culture, and individual lives. They might focus on famous architects, the process of creating landmark buildings, the history of architectural styles, or even how architecture interacts with the human experience. Below is a list of films that revolve around the theme of architecture, from documentaries to dramas.
“Sketches of Frank Gehry”, 2005
Director: Sydney Pollack
Directed by Sydney Pollack, this documentary takes a close look at the life and work of one of the most influential architects of our time, Frank Gehry. The film includes interviews with Gehry himself as well as other artists and critics, providing insight into his creative process.
Starring: Charles Arnoldi, Barry Diller, Michael Eisner, Rolf Fehlbaum, Hal Foster, Mildred Friedman, Frank Gehry, Bob Geldof, Dennis Hopper, Charles Jencks;
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
“My Architect”, 2003
Director: Nathaniel Kahn
This deeply personal documentary was directed by Nathaniel Kahn, son of the renowned architect Louis Kahn. It follows Nathaniel’s journey to understand his late father by visiting his architectural works and interviewing those who knew him.
Starring: Edmund Bacon, Edwina Pattison Daniels, Balkrishna Doshi, Frank Gehry, Philip Johnson, Louis Kahn, Nathaniel Kahn, Sue Ann Kahn, Haym Richard Katz, Teddy Kollek;
Production year: 2003;
Genre: documentary, biography;
Duration: 116 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “My Architect” on the website imdb.com
“The Fountainhead”, 1949
Director: King Vidor
Based on Ayn Rand's novel of the same name, this drama stars Gary Cooper as Howard Roark, an individualistic and idealistic architect who battles against conventional standards and refuses to compromise his vision.
Starring: Gary Cooper, Patricia Neal, Raymond Massey, Kent Smith, Robert Douglas, Henry Hull, Ray Collins, Moroni Olsen, Jerome Cowan, Ed Agresti;
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 World of Buckminster Fuller”, 1974
Director: Baylis Glascock, Robert Snyder
This documentary showcases the life, philosophy, and works of R. Buckminster Fuller, a visionary inventor, designer, and architect known for his geodesic domes.
Starring: Buckminster Fuller;
Production year: 1974;
Genre: documentary;
Duration: 85 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “The World of Buckminster Fuller” on the website imdb.com
“Columbus”, 2016
Director: Kogonada
Directed by Kogonada, this indie drama takes place in Columbus, Indiana, a small city noted for its modernist architecture. The film follows the son of an architecture scholar who forms a deep bond with a young woman he meets while his father is in a coma.
Starring: John Cho, Haley Lu Richardson, Parker Posey, Michelle Forbes, Rory Culkin, Erin Allegretti, Shani Salyers Stiles, Reen Vogel, Rosalyn R. Ross, Lindsey Shope;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: drama;
Age: 18+;
Duration: 104 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Columbus” on the website imdb.com
“The Belly of an Architect”, 1987
Director: Peter Greenaway
Directed by Peter Greenaway, this film tells the story of an American architect who travels to Rome to curate an exhibition on French architect Étienne-Louis Boullée, and becomes obsessed with the Roman architecture which he believes is affecting his health and sanity.
Starring: Brian Dennehy, Chloe Webb, Lambert Wilson, Sergio Fantoni, Stefania Casini, Vanni Corbellini, Alfredo Varelli, Geoffrey Copleston, Francesco Carnelutti, Marino Masé;
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
“Visual Acoustics”, 2008
Director: Eric Bricker
This documentary celebrates the life and career of Julius Shulman, an American architectural photographer best known for his images of California's modernist buildings.
Starring: Frances Anderton, Tom Ford, Frank Gehry, Dustin Hoffman, Ray Kappe, Craig Krull, Barbara Lamprecht, Ricardo Legorreta, Kelly Lynch, Leo Marmol, Judy McKee, Raymond Richard Neutra, Juergen Nogai, Rob Rothblatt, Edward Ruscha, Julius Shulman, Dante Spinotti, Angelika Taschen, Benedikt Taschen;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: documentary;
Duration: 83 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “Visual Acoustics” on the website imdb.com
Please note that the information provided is accurate as of my knowledge cutoff in early 2023, and availability of the films may vary by region or over time.
In conclusion, films about architecture serve as a vital medium through which the intricacies and marvels of architectural design are brought to the forefront of public consciousness. They offer audiences an immersive visual experience that gracefully bridges the gap between the art of constructing spaces and the art of cinematic storytelling. Whether it's through the eyes of visionary architects, the transformation of skylines, or the intimate portrayal of spaces that shape human experiences, these films leave an indelible mark on our understanding of the built environment. They encourage us to appreciate not only the aesthetic and functional aspects of architecture but also its profound impact on society and culture, thereby enriching our appreciation of the spaces we inhabit and the narratives they carry within their walls.
