Schindler Space Architect

Born in Vienna in 1887, Rudolph Schindler immigrated to the USA in 1914 with the aim of meeting his hero, Frank Lloyd Wright. From Chicago he went to New Mexico and then to Los Angeles, where his architecture laid the groundwork for what now is considered California indoor-outdoor living. Through the testimony of architects like Frank Gehry and Thom Mayne, historians, and a wonderful photo archive, this documentary explores his richly complex work and illuminates Schindler’s philosophy of Space Architecture as contrasted with the International Style. It reexamines Schindler’s complicated relationship with his mentor Frank Lloyd Wright and his rival Richard Neutra. The film affirms the singular genius of one man, and the eternal challenge every artist faces to stay true to their vision in an effort to leave a lasting impact.

Narrated by Meryl Streep, with Udo Kier voicing the writings of RM Schindler.

Valentina Ganeva’s new documentary on R. M. Schindler turns basic assumptions about the birth of Modern architecture upside down. Besides providing a thorough panorama of his architectural career, her film lays out an entirely new (and more accurate) way of understanding the impact of California on the development of Modern architecture.

Alan Hess, Architect and Historian