The Belly of an Architect (1987) – SAB CENTER'S MOVIES

Context of The Belly of an Architect

Peter Greenaway’s The Belly of an Architect (1987) is a visually stunning and intellectually charged film that explores themes of obsession, legacy, and mortality through the lens of architecture and personal tragedy. Set in Rome, the film follows Stourley Kracklite, an American architect invited to curate an exhibition celebrating the work of the 18th-century French architect Étienne-Louis Boullée. As Kracklite grapples with professional challenges, personal betrayals, and a growing obsession with his health, the story unfolds as a meditation on the human condition and the burdens of creative ambition.

Rome serves as more than just a backdrop; its architectural grandeur and historical layers become central to the film’s exploration of the relationship between art, history, and the fragility of human existence. Kracklite’s deteriorating health parallels his unraveling psyche, and the film’s narrative interweaves his existential crises with his admiration for Boullée, whose visionary designs were largely unrealized.

Greenaway, known for his meticulous visual style and thematic density, employs a formalistic approach to the film, using static compositions, symmetrical framing, and rich color palettes that echo the classical and neoclassical aesthetics of architecture itself. The film is as much about architecture and its metaphoric implications as it is about Kracklite’s emotional and physical decline.

Critics of The Belly of an Architect

Overly Intellectual and Distant
Greenaway’s films are often described as cerebral, and The Belly of an Architect is no exception. Some critics felt that its intellectual density and lack of emotional warmth created a sense of detachment, making it difficult for audiences to connect with Kracklite’s personal struggles or the film’s deeper themes.
Slow Pacing and Narrative Ambiguity
The film’s deliberate pacing and elliptical narrative drew criticism for being overly slow and opaque. While some viewers appreciated its meditative quality, others found the lack of a traditional plot structure frustrating and disengaging.
Pretentiousness in Themes and Presentation
Greenaway’s heavy reliance on symbolism, references to classical art and architecture, and philosophical musings led some critics to label the film as pretentious. The balance between the visual spectacle and thematic content was seen by some as leaning too heavily toward intellectual posturing.
Limited Accessibility
The film’s thematic focus on architecture and the art world’s insular concerns was seen as a barrier for general audiences. Viewers unfamiliar with Étienne-Louis Boullée or the nuances of architectural theory might miss some of the film’s references and deeper implications.

Cultural and Artistic Impact

Despite these critiques, The Belly of an Architect is celebrated for its bold visual style and thematic ambition. Greenaway’s exploration of the intersections between art, mortality, and human frailty has resonated with viewers who appreciate films that challenge traditional narrative conventions. The film’s use of Rome’s architectural landmarks underscores its thematic preoccupations, transforming the city into a character that reflects Kracklite’s inner turmoil.

Brian Dennehy’s performance as Stourley Kracklite received widespread acclaim for its depth and vulnerability, anchoring the film’s abstract ideas in a poignant and human portrayal. Greenaway’s direction, while polarizing, has been lauded for its commitment to pushing the boundaries of cinematic language and aesthetics.

Ultimately, The Belly of an Architect is regarded as a quintessential Greenaway film, offering a rich, thought-provoking experience for viewers willing to engage with its complexities. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to provoke discussions about art, legacy, and the fleeting nature of human achievement.

The Belly of an Architect (1987) Drama | 119min | 16 October 1987 (UK)

7.0

Director: Peter GreenawayWriter: Peter GreenawayStars: Brian Dennehy, Chloe Webb, Lambert WilsonSummary: An American architect arrives in Italy, supervising an exhibition for a French architect, Boullée, who is famous for his oval structures. Through the course of 9 months he becomes obsessed with his belly, suffers severe stomach pains, loses his wife, exhibition, his unborn child and finally his own life. Written by Ofir Zwebner <ofirz@hotmail.com>