Films from the 80s

Tadao Ando, a self-taught architect, proposes an international architecture that he believes can only be conceived by someone Japanese. His architecture mixes Piranesian drama with contemplative spaces in urban complexes, residences and chapels. This film presents the formative years of his impressive career before he embarked on projects in Europe and the United States.

Peter Eisenman, Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid, Coop Himmelblau, Rem Koolhaas, Daniel Libeskind, Michael Sorkin, Bernard Tschumi, Hajime Yatsuka. Critic Jacques Derrida. Narration by Joseph Giovannini

At the end of the 1980's a new architectural sensibility challenged the prevailing post-Modern attitude. This film documents explosive and seemingly chaotic structures from Vienna to L.A., and interviews those who pursue its aesthetic issues. Filmed on location with the architects and at the Museum of Modern Art's exhibition Deconstructivist Architecture, which was curated by Philip Johnson.

Itsuko Hasegawa, Arata Isozaki, Toyo Ito, Tadao Ando, Kasuo Shinohara, Fumihiko Maki, Kenzo Tange. Narration by Kenneth Frampton.

Japan's establishment as an economic superpower led to a Golden Age of Japanese architecture. Six innovators stand out particularly, fusing Japanese traditions with modern materials and technology.

Through a blend of Japanese history and Western influence, Arata Isozaki has built a career around his boldly distinctive architectural style. Constantly challenging the concepts of space, form and tradition, Isozaki’s work dares us to imagine a merging of cultures where artistic movements and methods bind together in riveting new forms. Arata Isozaki II (International Projects) follows the architect to many of his most famous sites including the Barcelona Olympic Sports Palace, Disney’s Team Building in Orlando, New York’s Palladium nightclub, as well as the newly completed Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles.

michaelblackwoodproductions.com/project/arata-isozaki-2-international-projects/

vimeopro.com/blackwoodfilmcollection/films-from-the-90s

Architecture Films by Michael Blackwood Productions

I don't know why the gods chose me to be in this business but there must have been a reason and I'm still enjoying it so tremendously,” says Eartha Kitt in this intimate and eye-opening portrait.

Filmed in 1982 at the singer’s remote home and multiple live performances, All by Myself: The Eartha Kitt Story is a deeply moving and personal account of the iconic star’s life and career. Known worldwide for her raspy, sultry voice and theatrical performance style, Eartha delivers nothing less in her conversations and social outings. Accompanied by her daughter Kitt, we first see Eartha attend and perform at President Reagan’s Inaugural Ball, where she joyously greets friends and fans. Her strong, independent manner portrays a woman who has lived and loved for herself, her music and her child. Throughout the film Eartha is shown in many forms, as a performer, mother, poet, teacher and so on, showing the viewer that what the public knows of Kitt is just the beginning of her story.

michaelblackwoodproductions.com/project/all-by-myself-the-eartha-kitt-story/

Music Films by Michael Blackwood Productions

vimeopro.com/blackwoodfilmcollection/films-from-the-80s