The Architect (2016) – SAB CENTER'S MOVIES

Context of The Architect (2012)

Jonathan Parker’s The Architect is a satirical comedy-drama that explores the intersections of art, ambition, and personal dysfunction within the framework of modern architecture. Loosely inspired by real-life debates around architectural ideals and their impact on individuals, the film serves as a critique of both the creative process and the social pretensions often associated with design.

The story centers on Colin (Parker Posey) and Drew (James Frain), a married couple who commission Miles Moss (Anthony LaPaglia), a renowned but pretentious architect, to design their dream home. What begins as an aspirational project quickly spirals into chaos as Moss imposes his artistic vision onto the couple, disregarding their desires and exposing the dysfunctions within their marriage. The film critiques the tension between artistic integrity and client satisfaction, as well as the broader societal obsession with status symbols.

Set against a backdrop of sleek modernist designs and aesthetic debates, The Architect uses humor and character-driven storytelling to examine the complex relationships between creativity, commerce, and personal identity.

Critics of The Architect

Satirical Tone
The film’s satirical approach divided audiences. While some praised its sharp humor and willingness to poke fun at the pretensions of high art and design, others felt the tone undermined the emotional depth of the characters and their conflicts.
Simplified Portrayal of Architecture
Critics noted that the film often reduced architecture to a caricature of modernist excess and egotism, failing to fully engage with the complexities of the discipline. The portrayal of Miles Moss as a self-absorbed architect was seen by some as a one-dimensional critique of the profession.
Character Development
While the cast delivered strong performances, some critics felt that the characters lacked depth, particularly Drew and Colin, whose marital issues were viewed as underexplored. The architect-client relationship, central to the story, often leaned too heavily on comedic exaggeration, leaving little room for more nuanced interactions.
Pacing and Focus
The film’s pacing and narrative focus were points of contention. Some reviewers appreciated the concise storytelling and satirical edge, while others felt the film’s brevity limited its ability to delve into the broader implications of its themes.

Cultural and Artistic Impact

The Architect (2012) is a niche film that appeals to audiences interested in the intersections of art, design, and satire. While it may not have achieved widespread acclaim, its humor and critique of the architectural world resonate with viewers familiar with the profession’s debates and idiosyncrasies.

Anthony LaPaglia’s performance as the egotistical Miles Moss was a standout, drawing both praise and criticism for its exaggerated portrayal. The film’s visual style, which incorporated sleek architectural designs and modernist aesthetics, provided an engaging backdrop for the story, reinforcing its thematic focus on artifice and ambition.

Though The Architect struggled to balance satire with emotional resonance, it remains a quirky, thought-provoking entry in the genre of architecture-focused cinema. It offers a lighthearted yet critical examination of the creative process and the often fraught relationships between artists, their clients, and the public.

The Architect (2016) Comedy, Drama | 95min | 15 June 2017 (USA)

4.8

Director: Jonathan ParkerWriter: Catherine DiNapoli, Jonathan ParkerStars: Parker Posey, John Carroll Lynch, James FrainSummary: When a couple sets out to build their dream house, they enlist the services of a visionary modernist architect, whose soaring ideas are matched only by his ego. The woman is swept away by this uncompromising creative artist whose personality provides a stark contrast to her practical husband's. She is so taken she hardly notices the Architect is building HIS dream house.