- Architect R.M. Schindler, transformed the way we see space and laid the foundation for what is now considered the California lifestyle of indoor-outdoor living. His life story (1887-1953) unfolds in parallel with that of Modern Architecture. The film follows Schindler's journey from Vienna through Chicago to Southern California, observing where possible through the lens of his own camera or listening to his own words. The story is told through narration, interviews, Schindler's theoretical writings, correspondence, photos and renderings of his many works and projects. This film explores his richly complex work, with its influences from the turn of the 20th century Vienna, the early work of Frank Lloyd Wright, the pueblos of Taos and the 20th century realities of Southern California. It is an investigation into Schindler's philosophy of Space Architecture as contrasted with the International Style that ruled modern architecture during most of the architect's life. It reexamines Schindler's complicated relationship with his mentor F.L. Wright and his rival Richard Neutra. The story asks key questions about the importance of domestic architecture in creating a national culture and as a living entity that shapes humanity. The film affirms the singular genius of one man, and the eternal challenge every artist faces to stay true to their vision in an effort to leave a lasting impact.
- "Schindler Space architect" is the first feature-length documentary exploring the life and works of a pioneer of modern architecture, R. M. Schindler, narrated by Meryl Streep and Udo Kier as R.M. Schindler, Xander Berkeley as F.L. Wright, featuring renown architects Frank Gehry, Steven Holl, Thom Mayne, Ray Kappe, Wolf Prix and arch. historians Judith Sheine, Thom Hines among many others. Austrian born and educated, R.M. Schindler changed forever the architectural landscape of Los Angeles and laid the foundation for what is now considered the California lifestyle of indoor-outdoor living. A true original, Schindler, experimented and invented over a period of 30 years: suffering the ups and downs of a creative genius, forging his own vision. This documentary explores his richly complex work with its influences from the turn of the 20th century Vienna, the early work of Frank Lloyd Wright, the pueblos of Taos. It is an investigation into Schindler's philosophy of Space Architecture as contrasted with the International Style that ruled modern architecture during most of the architect's life. It engagingly re-examines Schindler's complicated relationship with his mentor Frank Lloyd Wright, and his former friend turned rival, Richard Neutra. Neutra becomes the poster boy for the International style while Schindler further develops Wright's ideas of Space architecture. Both Viennese, Schindler and Neutra become the quintessential California architects - Neutra celebrated and Schindler overlooked. The documentary asks key questions about the importance of domestic architecture in creating a national culture and as a living entity that shapes humanity. The film affirms the singular genius of one man, and the eternal challenge every artist faces to stay true to their vision in an effort to leave a lasting impact.
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