7 Films That Architecture Enthusiasts Must Watch in 2024

Table of contents

• The relationship between architecture and films
• 7 Films Where Architecture Takes the Centre Stage
• The Power of Film and Design
• Explore Beyond Films and Architecture

 

The name on everyone's lips is Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. Sanjay Leela Bhansali's opulent new Netflix series has captivated audiences with its story of courtesans in British-era Lahore. But beyond the narrative, it's the sheer scale and grandeur of the production design that's making headlines. We're talking about a 700-artisan masterpiece—a universe built from 60,000 wooden planks and metal frames—transporting viewers to a bygone era where every detail whispers of love, dance, and revolution.

The relationship between architecture and films 

Films aren't just entertainment; they can be educational tools too. They have the power to visually transport viewers to different locations and time periods, sparking curiosity about the real world, especially regarding architecture and history. This is particularly relevant for those outside the field of architecture. Films offer a window into various architectural styles and eras, potentially inspiring viewers to learn more.

Films offer a unique way to showcase these architectural wonders. Unlike static images or historical texts, films bring these structures to life. Viewers can see the intricate details, the scale, and how they interact with light and surroundings. This can turn historical landmarks into gateways to the past, offering glimpses into the craftsmanship, engineering, and cultural significance behind these structures. The cinematic experience can ignite a desire to learn more, to explore these places firsthand and delve deeper into the stories they hold.

Three ways in which films act as more than a source of entertainment and knowledge:

1. A Source of Learning Historical Architecture in India

The evolution of architectural styles in India throughout history is a captivating one. Films can be influential mediums to explore how Indian architecture has mirrored cultural shifts and technological advancements over centuries. They can provide visuals and insights into architectural styles and historical contexts, making learning more engaging and accessible.

2. A Medium of Educating Lesser Known Architectural Styles and Construction Techniques

Films set in rural or tribal regions may feature vernacular architecture—housing typologies developed by local communities using indigenous materials and techniques passed down through generations. These dwellings on screen can raise awareness about the importance of preserving sustainable, climate-responsive and earthen architecture (a sustainable and traditional building method) practices and also educate viewers about the construction methods and design philosophies. 

3. A Platform to Celebrate Lesser Known Voices With Architecture

Films are also known to showcase how architecture supports experiences and narratives, often amplifying the lesser-known voices. They serve as more than entertainment by opening doors to explore the layered histories of architecture, diverse styles, cultural significance, and the individuals who have developed the built world around us. This connects audiences to architecture on a profound level, giving an insight into something much deeper.

This South Korean dark comedy thriller cleverly uses contrasting architectural styles to depict the vast economic disparity between the wealthy Park family and the impoverished Kim family. While the wealthy family lives in a luxurious, minimalist mansion, the poor family struggles to survive in a cramped, semi-basement apartment.

7 Films Where Architecture Takes the Centre Stage

Filmmakers often use architecture as backdrops or set pieces to portray realistic experiences and complex human relationships. Some filmmakers even treat architecture as a character in the film and focus on its significance through the narrative. This engages wider audiences and gives them insights into the lives and experiences of people who are both familiar and new. 

Here is a curated list of the 7 best films that showcase the importance and relevance of architecture in filmmaking. 

1. The Grand Budapest Hotel

Directed by: Wes Anderson

Year: 2014

Watch onDisney+Hotstar

Wes Anderson’s filmography has a distinct visual that often highlights his ability to use architecture and production design as a storytelling device, transporting the audience to a bygone era. The Grand Budapest Hotel is a prime example—a story about a legendary concierge and his lobby boy. Anderson’s attention to detail extends beyond the hotel’s architecture to the individual rooms, each designed to embody a unique personality that mirrors the characters inhabiting them.

Design Focus: The choice of colours, focus on symmetry, placement of objects, and intricate details make the visual journey exceptional. The grandness of the architecture is shown through its stairways, atriums, and elevators. The interiors are adorned with elaborate furniture and rich textures, creating a sense of nostalgia and charm. 

Audience Reception: The film’s visual appeal and attention to detail give audiences an insight into the quirky characters, imaginative storytelling, and Anderson’s signature style, which blends humour and melancholy with a deep appreciation for aesthetics.  

2. Mughal-e-Azam

Directed by: Karimuddin Asif

Year: 1960

Watch on Youtube

The tragic love story of the protagonists Salim and Anarkali, set in the Mughal era, was brought to life with stunning production design. The set features royalty with intricate Belgian glass crafted by artisans from Firozabad, opulent gold statues, and grand, gigantic domes. Designed to replicate the Mughal palaces, the interiors were adorned with lavish furnishings and elegant water features.  

Design Focus: The film uses magnificent film sets, stunning costumes and grand palaces to transport the audience to the Mughal era, which ultimately becomes an integral part of the story, reflecting the power, wealth, and extravagance of the Mughal rulers.

Audience Reception: The film enables the audience to relate to the characters and their circumstances, giving them a glimpse into the luxury of royal living during that period.

3. Rear Window 

Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock

Year: 1954

Watch on YouTube  

As the name suggests, this film is shot using a rear window as a frame for the protagonist and the audience, with architecture as a central character. Set primarily within the confines of a single apartment, the story unfolds through the perspective of a wheelchair-bound photographer observing his neighbour’s interesting lives, which ends up unveiling a crime scene. The rear window becomes an object for the exploration of voyeurism and human curiosity and also examines the themes of loneliness, isolation, and the human need for connection. 

Design Focus: The film displays an example of urban living, where a tiny apartment layout becomes a repository of secrets, desires, and human emotions. Hitchcock frames each shot using the courtyard as a stage for the unfolding mystery and character interactions. 

Audience Reception: The film enables the audience to reflect on how societies are shaped through the structures we inhabit. 

4. Gangubai Kathiawadi

Directed by: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Year: 2022

Watch on Netflix

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Mumbai's infamous red-light district, Kamathipura, the film delves into the life of the protagonist, a fierce and resilient woman who defies societal norms and emerges as a powerful figure. Bhansali incorporates elements of Art Deco, wooden structures, murals and paintings into brothels, cafes, cinemas and mosques, capturing the essence of the city during the 1950s and 60s.

Design Focus: The film uses architectural elements of Kamathipura, such as narrow alleys, dilapidated structures, ornate facades and intimate interiors, as characters that support the narrative and reflect the duality of beauty and hardship that permeates the lives of its inhabitants.

Audience Reception: The film's portrayal of Kamathipura challenges preconceived notions and lets the audience introspect on the often-overlooked narratives that exist within the confines of marginalised communities. 

5. A Room With a View

Directed by: James Ivory

Year: 1985

Watch on YouTube

A Room with a View is a romantic drama set in the early 20th century, where Italy's breathtaking landscapes and architecture play pivotal roles. They are integral to a young woman’s journey of finding love and her place in society. The film’s visual splendour invites audiences to appreciate the beauty of the Italian Renaissance while exploring themes of love, repression, societal norms, and the courage to embrace one’s true desires.     

Design Focus: The film uses architecture as a symbol of a young lady’s transformation through the winding roads, bustling markets, and grand cathedrals of Florence. These represent the unexpected allure of a life lived with passion and authenticity, in stark contrast to the rigid and structured world she knew in England.   

Audience Reception: The film’s visual storytelling resonates with the audience because it explores societal expectations, personal fulfilment, self-discovery, and the power of embracing new experiences through architecture. 

6. Blade Runner 2049 

Directed by: Denis Villeneuve

Year: 2017 

Watch on Netflix

Blade Runner 2049 is a sequel to Ridley Scott’s cult classic. It is a sci-fi film that portrays a vision of a dystopian future and revolves around genetically modified humans. The spinner flying cars and the cyberpunk buildings are some examples that highlight the importance of architecture in this compelling narrative. The film’s production design and architecture help shape the narrative and introduce the audience to an inspiring yet unsettling world. 

Design Focus: The film’s production design creates a decaying, hyper-urbanised world where megastructures and dilapidated structures coexist. The architectural style blends elements of Art Deco and futuristic designs, creating a world that has outgrown its ability to sustain itself.

Audience Reception: The film ties the intangible nature of architecture and its relevance in design for future generations. 

7. Her

Directed by: Spike Jonze 

Year: 2013

Watch on Amazon Prime

Her is a thought-provoking exploration of human and AI relationships in a near-future society. The protagonist, Theodore, develops romantic feelings for an AI operating system called Samantha, similar to our modern digital assistants like Siri and Alexa. The film's visuals are minimalist yet poignant, reflecting the central theme of the lack of emotional connection in a technologically advanced world.  

Design Focus: The film is shot in Los Angeles and Shanghai, with alternating scenes demonstrating the contrasting urban architecture. This reflects Theodore’s internal struggle to find meaning in a world where technology has permeated every aspect of life.

Audience Reception: The use of negative spaces and minimalist sets allows the audience to focus on the characters’ interactions, highlighting the film’s exploration of love, loneliness and relatable human experiences.

The Power of Film and Design

Film and design share a symbiotic relationship that creates emotionally resonant environments and deepens the storytelling process. Architecture in films acts as a visual and thematic backdrop, influencing the mood, transporting audiences to distinct worlds, and evoking emotions through the portrayal of spaces, providing a richer, more engaging experience. 

The way a scene is framed, the use of camera angles, and the choreography of movement within a space can elicit a range of emotions. A claustrophobic interior can instil a sense of confinement and tension, while vast, open landscapes can inspire feelings of freedom and liberation. 

Moreover, films have the potential to influence architectural trends and design sensibilities. The iconic sets and locations featured in cinematic masterpieces can inspire architects, sparking a resurgence of interest in particular styles or prompting the exploration of new aesthetic directions. 

Below are specific ways films utilise design elements:

Mise-en-scène

The literal translation of mise-en-scène is setting the stage. It plays a crucial role in communicating design concepts through well-crafted set design, strategic camera angles, and thoughtful framing. These elements influence how viewers perceive architectural details, guiding their attention to specific features or creating a sense of depth and scale. 

Lighting

The interplay of light and shadow can highlight architectural features, accentuate textures, and create a desired atmosphere within a set. The right lighting can evoke emotions, set the tone of the scene, amplify the character of a structure, and even transform the perception of a space.

Production Design 

The production design includes everything from the colour palette to the elements, outfits of the actors and props. The visual style of a film can either complement or contrast with the architectural setting, creating a dynamic relationship between the built environment and the cinematic narrative.

In today's fast-paced world, history and architecture often face the threat of fading into obscurity. Demolition for modernization, neglect, and the sheer passage of time can erase these tangible links to our past. But in this age of amnesia, films emerge as surprisingly entertaining repositories, safeguarding these architectural marvels for future generations.

Explore Beyond Films and Architecture 

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