Architecture is not just about buildings; it's about the stories they tell, the lives they shape, and the environments they create. This curated collection of films delves into the world of architecture, showcasing how it influences narratives, characters, and settings in cinema. From documentaries to feature films, these selections offer a unique perspective on the art and science of building design, making them invaluable for anyone interested in architecture, urban planning, or simply the aesthetics of film.
The Fountainhead (1949)
Description: Based on Ayn Rand's novel, this film follows the uncompromising architect Howard Roark, whose modernist designs clash with traditional architectural norms.
Fact: Ayn Rand wrote the screenplay herself, ensuring her philosophical ideas were accurately portrayed. The film's set designs were inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's work.
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The Ghost Writer (2010)
Description: While not directly about architecture, the film features stunning modern architecture, including a house designed by John Lautner, which plays a significant role in the plot.
Fact: The film was shot in part at the real-life "Glass House" in Cape Cod, designed by Philip Johnson. Roman Polanski directed this film while under house arrest.
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Urbanized (2011)
Description: This documentary by Gary Hustwit looks at the design of cities and the future of urban life, featuring interviews with architects and urban planners.
Fact: The film was part of a trilogy on design, following "Helvetica" and "Objectified."
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Sketches of Frank Gehry (2005)
Description: Directed by Sydney Pollack, this documentary provides an intimate look at the life and work of architect Frank Gehry, known for his deconstructivist designs.
Fact: Gehry's most famous work includes the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain.
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Rem Koolhaas: A Kind of Architect (2008)
Description: A profile of the renowned Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, exploring his innovative designs and philosophical approach to architecture.
Fact: Koolhaas is known for his work on the CCTV Headquarters in Beijing and the Seattle Central Library.
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The Human Scale (2012)
Description: This documentary focuses on urban planning and architecture from the perspective of human needs, featuring the work of Jan Gehl.
Fact: The film was screened at numerous film festivals and has influenced urban planning policies in several cities worldwide.
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The Architecture of Doom (1989)
Description: This film explores how architecture was used as a tool of propaganda in Nazi Germany, focusing on Albert Speer's role.
Fact: The film includes rare archival footage and interviews with Speer himself.
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The Pruitt-Igoe Myth (2011)
Description: This documentary examines the rise and fall of the Pruitt-Igoe housing project in St. Louis, a case study in architectural and urban planning failures.
Fact: The demolition of Pruitt-Igoe is often cited as a symbol of the failure of modern urban housing projects.
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My Architect (2003)
Description: This documentary explores the life and work of Louis Kahn, one of the most influential architects of the 20th century, through the eyes of his son, Nathaniel Kahn.
Fact: The film won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in
30 Days Free The City (1939)
Description: This documentary, part of the American Documentary Film Movement, examines urban planning and the impact of industrialization on American cities.
Fact: It was produced by the American Institute of Planners and features a score by Aaron Copland. The film was intended to educate the public on urban issues.
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