Aalto

Aalto is a meticulously crafted biographical documentary released in 2020 that chronicles the life and works of Alvar Aalto, a titan of modern architecture and design, and his partnerships both in life and design with first wife, Aino Aalto, and later Elissa Aalto. Directed by Virpi Suutari, the film is not strictly linear, but flows like the captivating story of a man whose career and designs were deeply interconnected with the events of the 20th century.

The documentary opens with an exploration of Alvar Aalto's early life and the evolution of his architectural philosophy. This is punctuated by beautiful cinematography of some of Aalto’s most famous creations, lavishing needed attention on the building’s details and forms, capturing the majesty of their architectural innovation. Additionally, the film dips into the rich archive of Aalto's personal life, including letters, interviews, and recorded speeches, providing an intimate perspective on this influential figure.

Simultaneously, the film delves into Aalto's complicated relationships with his wives, both of whom had considerable impact on his life and work. Aino Aalto, his first wife, appears as a significant collaborator in his design work, giving form and human touch to their shared humanistic vision. The film also explores the overlooked contribution of Aino, who had an active hand in designing some of the most iconic furniture pieces and glassware, engraving her unique influence on the Aalto brand.

After Aino’s death, the narrative embarks on Aalto's life and collaboration with Elissa Aalto. Following her marriage to Alvar, Elissa carried the burden of preserving his legacy, going on to complete several of his unfinished projects posthumously. The director provides a sensitive portrayal of their complex relationship, which was not just about professional collaboration but also about the shared love for architecture and humanity.

Unique to this work is its exploration of the coalescence of personal narrative and global events. Alvar Aalto's life spans through both World Wars, the Cold War and well into the 20th century, and the film presents vivid illustrations of how these global politics influenced the architect’s vision and worldview. However, despite the looming shadow of these geopolitical events, Aalto's work always pointed to his deep regard for human values and nature. This film brilliantly frames how Aalto's life's inspirations were captured in his works, from the Paimio Sanatorium, designed for tuberculosis patients, to the undulating forms of the Savoy Vase, mirroring Finnish lakes.

Suutari uses a mixture of interviews, testimonials, archival material, and gorgeously shot sequences of Aalto's most famous buildings to create a narrative as compelling as it is informative. The director artfully integrates cinematography with the subject matter, allowing sweeping shots of Aalto's buildings to communicate the poetic and humanistic spirit of the architect's designs. Combined with an evocative original score, the film itself is reminiscent of a well-executed piece of architecture: it is thoughtful, symmetrical, full of light and detail, much like an Aalto design.

Interwoven are interviews with modern architects, providing context for Aalto's influence on contemporary architecture. By succinctly explaining how Aalto's designs broke with the austere functionalism of the time, the movie illustrates his enduring impact on the design world. It is thus unarguable that Alvar Aalto was a visionary, whose work continues to influence architects and designers worldwide.

All told, Aalto is far from a dry recounting of an architect's life. Instead, it offers an engaging and insightful look into the man behind some of the 20th century's most iconic designs. It humanizes Alvar Aalto, showing how his personal life and relationships with Aino and Elissa shaped his work. Simultaneously, the film does a remarkable job of illustrating the breadth and depth of Aalto's influence on modern architecture and design.

Aalto is a beautifully executed tribute to Alvar Aalto's life and work. It is much more than just a film for architecture enthusiasts, it is accessible and enjoyable to anyone with an interest in 20th-century history, art, or personal stories of influential figures. It is uncompromising in its detail and layered narrative, providing a holistic portrait of a man whose designs encapsulated his profound humanity and vision.