My Architect (DVD)

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Nowhere is that impact better felt than in Louis I. Kahn´s buildings themselves, which provide the source for the most powerful shots in the documentary. Nathaniel holds for a long shot on the open courtyard of the Salk Institute in La Jolla, CA. The longer he holds, the more awe-inspiring the shot becomes.

It turns out only to be a teaser for the film´s final offering, the extraordinary capital building in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The building dominates the city, and remains a source of pride and inspiration for the locals who pray near it every day. You can get just a vague sense of how amazing this building is from the DVD cover art.

In the capital building, Nathaniel speaks to architect Shamsul Wares. He tells Wares he only has a few minutes in the film to devote to the building. Wares just shakes his head and tells him it´s all a waste; he can´t possibly get to know the building as well as he needs to in such a short time.

The same is true of Louis I. Kahn, who remains as much an enigma by the end of the film as he was at the start. Nathaniel can never really get to know him, not in a two-hour film and not even in a lifetime. He hasn´t found closure because there is no such thing. He never did see his dad peeking around the corner, but I think he´s achieved a sense of peace with his memory. And, with "My Architect," he´s found a way to keep Lou alive for many years to come.

It´s easy to judge, but sometimes it´s also easy not to judge. Nathaniel definitely takes it easy on his late father, refusing to speak ill of him for his philandering and his secretive ways. The film would probably have been stronger if we´d seen more evidence of the damage Lou´s selfishness wrought. Still, it´s Nathaniel´s film and if he loves his father, that can´t help but show in the final product. "My Architect" is a deeply felt and beautifully photographed journey that will speak to any viewer who has ever wanted to understand his or her father a little better.

Video:

The DVD is presented in its originally intended 1.33:1 aspect ratio. The documentary is quite beautifully filmed, and the transfer preserves the majesty of the more impressive architectural shots. The picture quality is crisp and the colors are sharp.

Audio:

The Audio is presented in Dolby Digital Stereo. The sound design is relatively simple, mostly interviews and some soft piano music. The dialogue is all clearly mixed and the subdued music is very effective without ever becoming too maudlin. Optional English-language closed captions support the audio.

Extras:

In addition to a trailer, there is a "Question and Answer" session with Nathaniel Kahn which comprises about twenty minutes over several shorter clips. Some of the clips feature historical footage of Louis Kahn. The package also includes a handsome booklet with glossy photos and a timeline of Lou´s life.

Closing Thoughts:

Louis Kahn´s capital building in Bangladesh has obviously had a substantial impact on the Muslim community. Many locals know him by name, even if they mistakenly call him "Louis Farrakhan." Would a Jewish architect still be hired today to design such an important building in a Muslim city? Regardless, it´s an awesome sight.

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