Architecture and Film

An examination of the ways in which architecture and architects are treated on screen and, conversely, how these depictions filter and shape the ways we understand the built environment. It also explores the significant effect that the film industry has had on the American public's perception of urban, suburban and rural spaces. Contributors to this collection of essays come from a range of disciplines. Nancy Levinson from "Harvard Design Magazine" writes on how films from "The Fountainhead" to "Jungle Fever" have depicted architects. Eric Rosenberg from Tufts University looks at how architecture and spatial relationships shape the Beatles films "A Hard Day's Night", "Help!" and "Let It Be". Joseph Rosa, curator at the National Building Museum, discusses why modern domestic architecture in recent Hollywood films such as "The Ice Storm", "L.A. Confidential" and "The Big Lebowski" has become synonymous with unstable inhabitants. Peter Hall discusses the history of film titling, focusing on the groundbreaking work of Saul Bass and Maurice Binder. Editor Mark Lamster examines the anti-urbanism of the "Star Wars" trilogy.
The collection also includes the voices of those from within the film industry, who are able to provide a "behind the scenes" perspective: film editor Bob Eisenhardt comments on the making of "Concert of Wills", a documentary on the construction of the Getty Museum; and Robert Kraft focuses on his work as a location director for Diane Keaton's upcoming film about Los Angeles. Also included are interviews with David Rockwell, Kyle Kooper, and Jan Roelfs.