THE CONFLUENCE OF CINEMA AND ARCHITECTURE
A VISUAL SYMPHONY IN FILM.
Cinema, often regarded as a mirror to society, reflects not just the stories of its characters but also the environments that shape their lives. When the grandeur of architecture intersects with the art of filmmaking, the result is a visual symphony that enhances storytelling, creating an immersive experience that lingers long after the credits roll. This editorial explores how five remarkable films—The Great Gatsby, Parasite, The Wolf of Wall Street, Melancholia, and The Great Beauty—masterfully fuse cinema and architecture to craft narratives that are as visually stunning as they are emotionally compelling.
ARTWORK BY THE BLAESS CO.
The Great Gatsby: Opulence and Decadence
Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby (2013) is a dazzling portrayal of the Roaring Twenties, where architecture plays a pivotal role in illustrating the era's opulence and extravagance. The film’s setting, particularly Jay Gatsby’s mansion, is a symbol of unrestrained luxury. Inspired by European palaces, the mansion's lavishness reflects Gatsby's grandiose attempts to recapture the past and win back Daisy Buchanan.
The sprawling estate, with its marble staircases, glittering chandeliers, and expansive ballrooms, serves as a visual representation of Gatsby's larger-than-life persona. The architectural grandeur, paired with Luhrmann's flamboyant directorial style, amplifies the themes of wealth, excess, and the elusive nature of the American Dream.
THE GREAT GATSBY (2013) LINK | DIRECTED BY BAZ LUHRMANN | PHOTO COURTESY OF WARNER BROS. PICTURE - © 2013 BAZMARK FILM III PTY LIMITED
Parasite: A Study in Contrast
Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite (2019) uses architecture to underscore the stark divide between the affluent Park family and the impoverished Kim family. The Park’s modernist home, designed by a fictional famous architect, is characterized by its sleek lines, open spaces, and minimalist aesthetic. This house is not just a setting but a character in itself, embodying wealth and privilege.
In contrast, the Kim family’s semi-basement apartment is cramped, dark, and damp, emphasizing their precarious socioeconomic status. The film's meticulous set design highlights the characters' desire to ascend the social ladder and the physical and metaphorical barriers that separate the two families. The architecture in Parasite becomes a visual metaphor for the class struggle and societal inequities central to the film's narrative.
PARASITE (2019) LINK | DIRECTED BY BONG JOON-HO
The Wolf of Wall Street: Excess in Every Frame
Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) is a film that thrives on excess, and its architectural settings reflect this unbridled opulence. The story of Jordan Belfort’s rise and fall in the world of finance is mirrored by the extravagant environments he inhabits. From his sprawling Long Island mansion to his high-rise office filled with panoramic views of Manhattan, each space exudes wealth and power.
The architecture in the film is grandiose and ostentatious, reflecting Belfort’s insatiable greed and hedonistic lifestyle. The luxurious settings are not merely backdrops but integral to the narrative, emphasizing the corrupting influence of wealth and the moral decay at the heart of Belfort’s empire.
THE WOLF OF WALL STREET (2013) LINK | DIRECTOR MARTIN SCORSESE
Melancholia: Apocalyptic Beauty
Lars von Trier’s Melancholia (2011) intertwines the personal and cosmic apocalypse through its architectural choices. The film is set in a grand, isolated mansion, surrounded by lush, expansive grounds. This setting, with its opulent interiors and serene exteriors, contrasts starkly with the impending doom of a rogue planet on a collision course with Earth.
The architecture in Melancholia serves as a counterpoint to the film’s themes of existential dread and human fragility. The mansion, a symbol of stability and permanence, stands in opposition to the chaos and destruction wrought by the approaching planet. This juxtaposition heightens the film’s emotional impact, making the serene beauty of the architecture a poignant backdrop to the unfolding tragedy.
MELANCHOLIA (2011) LINK | DIRECTED BY LARS VON TRIER | © 2011 - MAGNOLIA PICTURES
The Great Beauty: Rome as a Character
Paolo Sorrentino’s The Great Beauty (2013) is a love letter to Rome, using the city’s architectural splendor to explore themes of beauty, decadence, and existential reflection. The film follows Jep Gambardella, a jaded writer, as he wanders through Rome’s historic landmarks, palaces, and gardens. The Eternal City’s breathtaking architecture is not just a setting but a central character in the film.
Sorrentino’s Rome is a city of contrasts, where ancient ruins coexist with modernity, and sacred spaces are interspersed with scenes of hedonistic revelry. The film’s sumptuous visual style and meticulous attention to architectural detail create a dreamlike atmosphere that mirrors Jep’s introspective journey. Through its architectural lens, *The Great Beauty* contemplates the passage of time, the fleeting nature of beauty, and the search for meaning in a seemingly superficial world.
THE GREAT BEAUTY (2013) LINK | DIRECTED BY PAOLO SORRENTINO
