British Universities Film & Video Council

moving image and sound, knowledge and access

Sketches of Frank Gehry

Synopsis
Director Sydney Pollack, best known for his grandiose productions, produced this film about his friend, architect Frenk Gehry. It is a well-balanced portrait that offers both positive and negative commentators the chance to present their opinions. But it quickly becomes clear that the biggest naysayer of all is Gehry himself, who is painted as a highly self-critical man, clearly ill-at-ease with fame and his own achievements. Pollack offers some screen time to Gehry’s magnificent creations, but not as much as a less experienced director might have done, instead choosing to focus on the man himself. People such as Gehry’s therapist, Milton Wexler, and artist/director Julian Schnabel offer their thoughts, but the real magic occurs when Pollack and Gehry are on screen together. The series of interviews between the two men have the kind of relaxed atmosphere that could only exist after years of friendship, and Gehry comes across as an astonishingly normal and likeable fellow who keeps his ego firmly in check. Shooting mostly with hand-held digital-video cameras also brings intimacy to the proceedings, creating a warm testimony to a great artist who has somehow managed to keep his integrity intact despite the ruthless nature of the industry in which he works.
Language
English
Country
United States
Year of release
2007
Year of production
2007
Subjects
Architecture; Film studies
Keywords
biographies; modern architecture; architects; Gehry, Frank

Credits

Director
Sydney Pollack
Contributor
Frank Gehry; Sydney Pollack

Distribution Formats

Type
DVD
Format
Region 2 PAL
Price
£19.99
Availability
Sale
Duration/Size
83 minutes
Year
2007

Distributor

Name

Artificial Eye Film Company

Email
info@artificial-eye.com
Web
http://www.artificial-eye.com External site opens in new window
Phone
020 7240 5353
Fax
020 7240 5242
Address
14 King Street
London
WC2E 8HR
 

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