The filming is excellent and some shots are very high quality.
However, it would be a much better film to spend more time on Architecture and theory. This easily could be a 2 hour film if there was a review of the design theory and in depth look at some projects; and a much better film. The house projects was scanned over in seconds with nothing to say about design.
There is not much on film about eero; and PBS doesn't know much about architecture; eero is on the cover of Time, but not in history since the filming of his work and review is so scant. Remembered in his time and known, then forgotten. Better than nothing, this is a small start.
It claims some family history but leaves much out. what about the relationship with knoll? Still what about design? Eero's connection to jorn Utzon?
I made my contribution by having the local library buy a copy of this film.
I give this an 8 out of respect for eero, however it could be a 10, and lack of understanding about architecture and what is important to discuss could make it a 5. My frustration with it is 0.
Eero Saarinen: The Architect Who Saw the Future
2016
Biography / Documentary
Eero Saarinen: The Architect Who Saw the Future
2016
Biography / Documentary
Plot summary
Explore the life of Finnish-American modernist architectural giant Eero Saarinen (1910-1961),whose visionary buildings include National Historic Landmarks such as St. Louis' iconic Gateway Arch and the General Motors Technical Center in Michigan. Saarinen also designed New York's TWA Flight Center at JFK International Airport, Yale University's Ingalls Rink and Morse and Stiles Colleges, Virginia's Dulles Airport, and modernist pedestal furniture like the Tulip chair. Travel with his son, director of photography Eric Saarinen, as he visits the sites of his father's work on a cathartic journey, shot in 6K with the latest in drone technology that showcases the architect's body of timeless work for the first time. Eero's sudden death at age 51 cut short one of the most influential careers in American architecture. Today, Saarinen's work stands apart and continues to inspire, especially amongst renewed interest in 20th-century architects and artists who exploded the comfortable constraints of the past to create a robust and daring American aesthetic. Produced and Directed by Peter Rosen. 68 minutes, 2016. Premiering December 2016 on PBS as part of the American Masters series.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
Director
Tech specs
720p.WEB 1080p.WEBMovie Reviews
Architecture
Amazing Documentary!
Peter Rosen Productions and PBS have created a moving documentary tribute to one the great minds of our modern world. Having seen many of the buildings in the film in real life or in photos from college study, we were deeply stirred by the genius of the designs, the depth of the risks involved with unconventional architecture and Mr. Saarinen's future-minded construction.
Spending time at the St. Louis Arch was a favorite pastime while living in Missouri. Touching the giant chrome and steel surface at ground level, one can feel the hum of the wind, the vibrations of the earth, and the static electricity connecting the ground with the metal skin.
His premature death is a sad footnote to his legacy, having never seen in reality, many of the finished products of his labors. His wife took it on to see things through, and we commend her for that. Next to every great man is a great woman, in support. Thankfully.
Stunning in 6K
I saw this in a 6K high-def on a big screen during Palm Springs' Modernism Week in 2017. There is a good amount of family history (Eero's father was also a great architect) that gives this film more depth than a typical documentary. Eero's son Eric was director of photography and his sensitive portrayals of Saarinen's buildings made with modern drone cameras is as close to "dancing with architecture" as you're going to find. A must for architecture buffs. The only quibble I have is with the narration, it is a little heavy-handed at times.