10 Films to Watch About Famous Architects

Sometimes there's no better way to learn about art and architecture than through film. Thankfully, many movies have been made documenting the lives and practice of some of the greatest architects to ever live. Whether you're looking to brush up on your knowledge of the medium or just want to witness the true success stories of these creators (including Frank Lloyd Wright, Philip Johnson, Charles and Ray Eames, and Frank Gehry), get familiar with this list of 10 Films to Watch About Famous Architects.

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Director: Jesper Wachtmeister

Year Released: 2003

This documentary provides a look into the roots and impact of modern Japanese architecture. With impressive visuals, it explore the conflict between modern and old philosophies through accounts by contemporary architects Tadao Ando and Sverre Fehn, Toyo Ito, Kazuo Shinohara, Kristian Gullichsen, and Juhani Pallasmaa.

Director: Sam Wainwright Douglas

Year Released: 2010

The late architect Samuel Mockbee promoted the idea that "everyone deserves shelter for the soul." As a professor, he taught the importance of architecture's social responsibility. He launched a project to build houses for less privileged areas in rural west Alabama by providing shelter communities. The film includes rare footage of interviews with Mockbee following the movement he started.

Director: Murray Grigor

Year Released: 2008

This documentary explores the work of John Lautner, who had the vision of creating "architecture that has no beginning and no end." The film features appearances by Frank Gehry, Julius Sherman, and Sean Connery, telling the architect's story using camera angles and movements that highlight his work in the best way—as unique as the structures themselves.

Director: Jason Cohn and Bill Jersey

Year Released: 2011

Narrated by James Franco, this brilliant film introduces the story of Charles and Ray Eames, the famous husband-and-wife creative partners. The documentary highlights their impact beyond architecture into other forms of art and design, as well as celebrating the unique nature of their Venice, CA studio.

Director: Sydney Pollack

Year Released: 2006

Directed by Sydney Pollack, who shares a long friendship with Frank Gehry, the documentary presents works by the renowned architect, including the Walt Disney Concert Hall and even Gehry's own residence. The film also features interviews with Dennis Hopper, Philip Johnson, and Ed Ruscha.

Director: Barbara Wolf

Year Released: 1996

Philip Johnson, known for designing the Glass House in New Canaan, CT (which he maintained as his own residence until his death), contributed many creative, groundbreaking architectural projects. Barbara Wolf's film presents an intimate look in to Johnson's personal life in addition to the depth of his many completed buildings.

Director: Ken Burns and Lynn Novick

Year Released: 1998

Throughout his ninety-one years of life, Frank Lloyd Wright faced much personal tragedy and turmoil. Instead of declaring defeat, he applied himself to creating some of today's most well-known buildings (including the Guggenheim Museum). The film discusses Wright's work amidst his turbulent but meaningful life.

Director: Robert Snyder

Year Released: 1974

Buckminster Fuller was not only an architect, he was also an engineer, geometrician, philosopher, and inventor. This documentary includes clips from the '60s and '70s of directer Robert Snyder explaining Fuller's thoughts and inspirations, which include nature's principles, synergy, physics, and humanity's purpose.

Director: Nathaniel Kahn

Year Released: 2003

Directed by the son of the late Louis Kahn, My Architect is "a son's journey'" in understanding the visionary architect—who died alone and bankrupt in 1974—and his legacy.

Director: Eric Bricker

Year Released: 2008

Narrated by Dustin Hoffman, Visual Acoustics explores the life and career of the architectural photographer Julius Shulman, whose work exposed modern architecture to the American mainstream. Shulman's images captured a wide array of buildings, including the work of Frank Lloyd Wright and Frank Gehry, effectively framing the modernist movement.