Sketches of Frank Gehry (2006)
Runtime: 84 mins
Theatrical Release: May 12, 2006 Limited
Box Office: $206,299
Synopsis: Oscar winning director Sydney Pollack takes a sharp sideways turn with SKETCHES OF FRANK GEHRY, a documentary about the noted architect. Usually known for making grandiose productions such as THE FIRM and OUT OF AFRICA, Pollock adds a genuine curio to his filmmaking resume with this movie.... Oscar winning director Sydney Pollack takes a sharp sideways turn with SKETCHES OF FRANK GEHRY, a documentary about the noted architect. Usually known for making grandiose productions such as THE FIRM and OUT OF AFRICA, Pollock adds a genuine curio to his filmmaking resume with this movie. Although the two men have been friends for years, Pollock thankfully bypasses the opportunity to pay a fawning tribute to Gehry, instead presenting a well-balanced portrait that offers both positive and negative commentators the chance to etch their thoughts into celluloid. 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. Pollock 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 garrulous artist/director Julian Schnabel (BASQUIAT) offer their thoughts, but the real magic occurs when Pollock 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 a nice 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. [More]
Genre: Education/General Interest
Starring: Frank Gehry, Dennis Hopper, Bob Geldof, Julian Schnabel
DVD Info
Release:
Aug 22, 2006
DVD Features:
- Anamorphic Widescreen - 1.78
Audio:
- Dolby Digital 5.1 - English
- Subtitles - French - Optional
- Subtitles - English - Closed Captioned
Additional Release Material:
- Interviews - Sydney Pollack - Director
Buy It On DVD
Reviews
(...) Un documental que debería ver todo aquel que alguna vez haya sentido la necesidad o las ganas de crear algo, ya sea una pieza de cerámica, un edificio o una película.
The result is a persuasive movie which proves beyond doubt that at least some geniuses are intensely practical as well as intuitive.
While Pollack continually favours celebrity gush over objective analysis, the shots of Gehry's buildings – the Guggenheim in Bilbao being the centrepiece – and his stunning use of light do make a case for him as a genuine visionary.
The questioning is skin-deep and Pollack’s handheld DV approach doesn’t show the buildings at their best.
an intelligent piece of partisan adoration - although he gives some space to Gehry's detractors, too.
Ultimately the picture is as revealing about the director as it is about the subject. But it won’t appeal to those who like their documentaries to come armed with teeth.
A fond and always accessible portrait, but the lack of objectivity and drooling images of Gehry's work deprives this documentary of any objectivity.
too vague for real insight, too conventional to match its subject's iconoclasm, and too affectionate to offer a truly critical account of the Gehry phenomenon.
[Pollack] and Gehry share a long friendship, which is evident in this elegant, diverting, affectionate documentary.
Watching Frank work in his studio is a lesson in creativity. He seems to pride himself on buildings with no right angles; it all comes together to create facades that stand out in a skyline.
The film is a credit to Sydney Pollack, whose warm and intelligent style infiltrates this fascinating documentary allowing us the pleasure of spending some time with an architect whose approach to design is as fundamental as to life itself
Pollack’s documentary is a friendly affair that presents some stunning footage of several Gehry projects.
Sketches isn't for everyone, as enjoyment requires at least an elementary interest in architecture or art. Anyone who meets that requirement will receive not only a nice portrait of Gehry the person, but a great survey of his work.
A lovable softball documentary on a lovable acclaimed architect famous for his controversial unique looping indescribable structures.
An allusive and elusive tracing of the man and his work that also offers a rueful rumination on the artistic process.
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