from Film Forum, 02/26/04My Architect, another of this year's Oscar-nominated documentaries, is Nathaniel Kahn's exploration of the life and work of the father who abandoned him—famed architect Louis Kahn. Through interviews and investigation, he learns a great deal about his father and about the many lives the celebrated man damaged through selfish decisions and lies. He also considers the way that injury can contribute to passion and even to great achievement.
J. Robert Parks (Phantom Tollbooth) says, "I found Bob Richman's spectacular cinematography to be worth the price of admission. He has the amazing ability to convey the three-dimensional splendor of Kahn's architecture with a two-dimensional piece of film. The movie's final reel, which features Kahn's awe-inspiring Capitol in Dhaka, Bangladesh, made me want to jump on a plane to visit it first-hand."
Jerry Langford (Movieguide) says, "The story of My Architect is a cautionary tale for all viewers. Where was he going when he died? What is his legacy? These are questions intended for every individual. As result, [the movie] is a probing and thoughtful look at the measure of a man."
from Film Forum, 03/18/04Three weeks ago, Film Forum posted reviews of the Oscar-nominated documentary My Architect. This week, Steven D. Greydanus (Decent Films) offers his perspective.
