Cinema is one of the most celebrated art forms of the 21st century. Along with their celebrations, films are also open to criticism. In the digital age, each element of the film is criticized separately, and the filmmaking process is becoming similar to solving a jigsaw puzzle. In a puzzle, all pieces must align perfectly for a clear picture. Similarly, a flawless film harmonizes various elements in perfect synchrony. As a collaborative art, cinema blends different components such as cinematography, music, sound design, costume design, etc. Among the long list of these sections, the architecture of films stands as one of the most underrated.
In cinema, architecture often acts as a silent character, catalyzing the viewing experience. Sometimes we consciously notice the architecture, while other times it is subconsciously fed into our minds. These architectural elements can influence the atmosphere, emotions, and narrative of a film. These buildings and designs are not just backdrops; they can communicate the themes, character traits, and cultural contexts of a movie. Films such as Blade Runner, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Inception, and Parasite stand as perfect examples of the utilization of architecture.
In each film, architecture plays different roles, much like the actors in the industry. In some movies, it performs an important function in setting the plot and mood for cinematic plots. Take the 1982 film Blade Runner, for instance its skyscrapers and neon-lit streets set the dystopian mood of the movie. In terms of films like The Grand Budapest Hotel, the architecture reflects the traits of the past and acts as a catalyst in evoking nostalgia
In Contemporary cinema, Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite is a work that brilliantly explores the possibilities of architecture. In Parasite, the primary function of the architecture is to set up the economic difference between the two families. The film masterfully contrasts two architectural spaces: the semi-basement apartment of the Kim family and the expensive home of the Park family. These architectural alternatives serve as visual metaphors for the class divisions and power dynamics at play. The Kim family’s semi-basement apartment is cramped and impoverished, reflecting their economic hardships and social marginalization. Living below street level, they navigate their limited circumstances with resourcefulness, using unconventional areas like the bathroom for Wi-Fi access. This adjustable living condition mirrors their regular struggle in family and society. On the opposite hand, the Park family’s modernist mansion represents wealth and privilege. Situated atop a hill and surrounded by way of concrete partitions, it exudes opulence and exclusivity. Designed by a fictional famous architect, the house symbolizes the Park family’s expanded repute and their detachment from the struggles of the lower class.
The architectural contrast between the two families extends to their relationship with sunlight. While the Park house is bathed in natural light and offers expansive views, the Kim apartment is deprived of sunlight, emphasizing their marginalized existence. As the Kim family infiltrates the Park household, the architectural space becomes a battleground for power and control. The spatial hierarchy within the Park house reflects the shifting dynamics between the two families, with the Kims gradually asserting dominance over their wealthy employers. Through meticulous attention to architectural detail, Parasite clearly portrays the complex themes of social inequality and economic struggle. The architecture in the film can be seen as a visual language that communicates contemporary society’s inherent tensions and contradictions.
Christopher Nolan, one the most brilliant filmmakers in the contemporary, is also keenly interested in the utilization of architecture. Nolan’s 2010 film Inception, gives a charming exploration of dreams and the intricacies of the architecture in minds. The film revolves around Dom Cobb and his team, who specialize in navigating the unconscious to extract secrets and implant ideas. Ariadne, portrayed by Elliot Page, performs a pivotal function as the architect responsible for designing the dream landscapes. In the movie, the idea of dream architecture is depicted as a complex maze, where Ariadne’s designs serve as the framework whilst the dreamer’s unconscious fills in the details. The narrative delves into the delicate balance between creating charming dream environments and ensuring they continue to be relatable to the dreamer.
The film Inception, suggests interesting possibilities for the application of dream design principles into reality. It emphasizes the profound impact of ideas on both the individual and society, adding complexity to the story. The film often relies on familiar architectural elements such as urban and hotel furnishings. It has succeeded in blending familiar and imaginative designs into dreams. Nolan’s approach to architecture in Inception prioritizes clarity and coherence over groundbreaking designs.
The exploration of architecture in cinema reveals its impact on visual storytelling. From dystopian cityscapes to lavish mansions, architecture plays a silent yet enormous function in the setting of stories. It often acts as a visible language that communicates social, financial, and emotional nuances. As the medium of cinema evolves within the digital age, the appreciation for architectural craftsmanship inside filmmaking deserves more recognition. The collaboration between architecture and cinema represents a fusion of art in which each element complements and enriches the other.
References:
- Bedingfield, W. (2020, February 7). How Parasite uses architecture to hammer home its brutal message. WIRED. Retrieved March 31, 2024, from https://www.wired.com/story/parasite-uk-release-date/
- Finn, P. (n.d.). The Architecture of Inequality: On Bong Joon-ho’s ‘Parasite’. Architizer. Retrieved March 31, 2024, from https://architizer.com/blog/inspiration/stories/the-architecture-of-parasite/
- Girvin, T. (2011, February 15). The Architecture, the Mind and the Memory: Notes on the Production and Place Design of “Inception.” Girvin. Retrieved March 31, 2024, from https://www.girvin.com/the-architecture-the-mind-and-the-memory-notes-on-the-production-and-place-design-of-inception/
- HAWTHORNE, C. (2017, November 9). Inception’ dreams big, unlike its architect. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 31, 2024, from https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-aug-08-la-ca-architecture-inception-20100808-story.html
