Antonio Gaudi
Director: Hiroshi Teshigahara
Producer(s): Noriko Nomura and Hiroshi Teshihahara
Music by: Shinji Hori, Kurodo Mori, Tōru Takemitsu
Japan | 1984
72 Minutes | Color
With: Isidro Puig Boada and Seiji Miyaguchi
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Here's an interesting concoction: take an avant-garde Japanese filmmaker and watch him capture the surreal and stunning architecture of Spain's most audacious Catalan, Mr. Antonio Gaudi. The result is surprisingly appropriate, as the Japanese tone-poem method lends itself to further contemplation and wonder. A poignant exploration of Gaudi's body of work, it is best to let the images steep like fine tea, releasing various flavors and feelings as the timeless architecture informs your mood. This isn't difficult given the outstanding music from Shinji Nomura, Kurodo Mori and Tōru Takemitsu, resulting in sheer cinematic wonder. I felt as if I was watching a Brothers Quay film as weathered textures and tonal oddities combined and manifested in unceasing undulation.
So as to let the viewer fully experience the artful detail, precision and vision of Goudi, I will say very little of the architectural highlights, except that I was especially struck by the fact that Goudi fasted for 20 days before undertaking the amazing, yet unfinished Sagrada Familia cathedral in Barcelona. A devout Catholic, Antonio could not imagine embarking on such a spiritual project without first following Christ's example (before Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness). An act of such extremity and resolve is very resonating and inspires one to take their art seriously. The expression of creativity is indeed a Holy one, and even in whimsical details and untamed extravagance, one can sense the hand behind the hand, the eye beneath the eye, the heart revealed through expression.
In summary:
I. Director Teshigahara crafts a commendable avant-garde salute to a transformative architect and artist.
II. The music was spiritually alive and organic, advancing in undercurrents of contemplation and awe.
III. Slow and meditative, the continuity of images and sound is precise, though we're happy not to overstay our welcome or grow weary of overstimulation.
IV. The cinematography doesn't especially captivate. In investigating Goudi, there was want of more stylism.
V. The film is an interesting art-doc, and while you may only play it once, it's refreshing that such a filmic tribute exists.
8 / 10 on the NORS [Night Owl Richter Scale]
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Pair With :
Okunomatsu Tokubetsu Junmai
Ultra smooth and semi-dry with a fruity aroma, sip Tokubetsu Junmai slightly chilled for a satisfying Japanese take on the Goudi experience. Get it at Columbus Wines & Spirits
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Red Bean Mochi (find it at your local Japanese market)
I still dream of the Red Bean (and Green Tea) Mochi I tasted from a street-cook along Shijo-Dori street in Kyoto, Japan.
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