Visual Acoustics
2009 Directed by Eric Bricker
Synopsis
The modernism of Julius Shulman
Visual Acoustics celebrates the life and career of Julius Shulman, the world's greatest architectural photographer, whose images brought modern architecture to the American mainstream. Shulman, who passed away this year, captured the work of nearly every modern and progressive architect since the 1930s including Frank Lloyd Wright, Richard Neutra, John Lautner and Frank Gehry. His images epitomized the singular beauty of Southern California's modernist movement and brought its iconic structures to the attention of the general public. This unique film is both a testament to the evolution of modern architecture and a joyful portrait of the magnetic, whip-smart gentleman who chronicled it with his unforgettable images.
Popular reviews
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Great documentary on Julius Shulman — a brilliant architectural photographer, and unlikely father of modernist architecture.
Must see for those interested in architecture and/or photography.
Recent reviews
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Not a big fan of documentaries, but this was fun.
If you like looking at photographs (film, not digital - which is what drew me to this in the first place, even before people kept telling me I must watch it), and architecture then this will be right up your alley. It's all very beautiful, and Julius is adorable, just slow in some parts.
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Not especially well made, but those moderately interested in architecture and design should thoroughly enjoy it. Visually, it's quite bland, but the design featured in the film (the architecture, photography, and motion graphics) covers this up. There's some beautiful design here, and it's a treat to get a better look at these houses. Shulman is a very compelling figure, and his outlook on life is inspiring.
Well worth it for anyone in the visual arts world.
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Especially interesting for anyone into Los Angeles/desert architecture and modernism. Charming portrait of Julius Shulman—what an interesting life he had. Half a star short of 5 for a couple odd editing/graphics sequences.
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Nothing fancy about the way the story is told, but a great life documented in an honoring way.
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A sound history of West coast modernist architecture. I was left doubting whether focusing on Julius was really the best way to explore the subject, especially given he often felt like a foil through which the viewer could learn about the actual subject of the film.
Also, while endearing, his doddering got to be a bit much at times. One wonders if Schulman wouldn't have been more kindly portrayed as a talking head, rather than hobbling about on his cane.
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Great documentary on Julius Shulman — a brilliant architectural photographer, and unlikely father of modernist architecture.
Must see for those interested in architecture and/or photography.
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Interesting documentary about the life of Julius Shulman, an American architectural photographer. A great portrayal of modernist architecture through his stunning photographs.