As we rush to the end of another year and prepare for 2011, we are bombarded by the annual best of lists. There is something peculiar about the human species that compels us to rate everything. Best of this, worst of that; 10 best cameos by a small rodent in a reality series, etc.

Al2r ego isn’t going to add to the madness.

However, we do want to acknowledge a great documentary film that we recently viewed, and we would be remiss if we didn’t recommend it to our fellow egoists.

Architecture, graphic design, and photography are our passions, so when a film comes along that combines the best of all of these arts, it gets our attention. And if it should be a great piece of cinema to boot, we are hooked. Visual Acoustics: The Modernism of Julius Shulman is such a film.

The film, narrated by Dustin Hoffman explores the life and work of Julius Schulman who is regarded as one of the finest architectural photographers of the 20th century. It explores how Shulman’s images helped record the Modernist movement and shape the careers of seminal 20th century architects including Frank Lloyd Wright, Frank Gehry, Richard Neutra and John Lautner. This is an intimate look at one of America’s greatest visual talents, and the photos and tasteful design fully amplify the unique nature of Shulman’s story.

Utilizing Shulman’s own photographic archives, the history of 20th century American architecture unfolds through his stories, anecdotes and intimate, yet revealing images. Schulman was an advocate of conservation and intelligent utilization of resources before the advent of the green movement. The span of his experience and influence is mind-numbing.  Fans of the AMC series “Mad Men” in particular, will enjoy his photos of 50′s and early 60′s Southern California architecture.

The film won the 2009 Palm Springs International Film Festival Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature as well as awards at the Austin Film Festival, Newport Beach Film Festival and the Lone Star International Film Festival. Visual Acoustics was released theatrically in late 2009 and  became available on DVD this past spring.

As monumental as Shulman’s work was in establishing the photographic vocabulary of 20th-century American architecture, so too was his simple and affecting sense of humor, and positive perspective on life and work. Julius Shulman was a mensch of the first order and his spirit graces this wonderful film. While his luminous photography is the star, his warmth and sense of humor steal the show. Take it from another lesser mensch, Visual Acoustics: The Modernism of Julius Schulman is a treat for the eyes and the creative soul.

We’d like your thoughts on this film and art, design and life in general. Let us know what you think.

Written by Marketing Mensch

This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 8th, 2010 and is filed under Uncategorized.
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