Architecton is a visually striking and intellectually engaging documentary. Delving deep into modern and ancient architecture, the movie posits a world filled with innovative architects, and what becomes of their contributions to society over time.
The film is directed by Victor Kossakovsky with cinematography by Ben Bernhard, who has a keen eye for design and structure. These two have paired up in the past, working on previous films Aquarela (2018) and All That Breathes (2022). One can see their perfect symbiosis in creating Architecton. It makes what could have been something very boring to the general public (outside the world of architects) into something deeply engrossing.
At times, there's a philosophical vibe that comes through, whereupon one asks, “What does it mean to build?” Or the question, “What remains when I am no longer here?” It's not something that many people would ask themselves after watching many documentaries, but there is such strength in the storytelling here that it is a natural outcome.
The cinematography is innovative and stunning. Many shots within the film would entice even those not into architecture. The viewers see angles and sights often neither appreciated nor noticed — or even physically viewable. It's a lusty melting pot of drone shots (who ever expected drone shots to be so well done!), black and white photography, and other uniquely technical takes.
Some of the more moving shots include the remnants of bombs in Ukraine. Time stands still here, empty apartments, half destroyed. It was a bold choice for the director to include. In addition, there's a focus on the Baalbek Stones, which are massive and apparently weigh up to 800 tons each. What results is an ocular delight.
Paired with these shots is a soundtrack by composer Evgueni Galperine. There are moments where it comes across as a very intense music video, with rolling rocks in rhythm to the beat. But it made one yearn for the innovative composer Philip Glass, who has done the music for similar types of documentaries such as Koyaanisqatsi (1982).
It is safe to call Architecton a cousin to Koyaanisqatsi. This in no way diminishes the film, but rather is a welcome addendum to this type of documentary. A movie, in the words of Godfrey Reggio (director of Koyaanisqatsi), designed to “take for himself/herself what it is that it means.”
The difference here is an interview with Michele de Lucchi which permeates throughout the film. Mostly it centers on him working on a landscape design on his Italian villa. He is trying to arrange his own stones, but his comments help form both questions and answers in the viewer.
There are some admittedly slow moments in the film. The opening sequence alone is quite long, at about 15 minutes. This and some other slow-pacing could be off-putting to some viewers. The director takes his time in trying to get across his message. But by then, one may be bored of looking at rocks, even if they are gargantuan sized.
Architecton screened at the BFI London Film Festival 2024.
BFI Distribution will be releasing this film in UK and Irish cinemas on 10 January 2025