Big Time

Big Time, a documentary released in 2017, provides a profoundly insightful look into the life and mind of Bjarke Ingels, a renowned Danish architect who has continuously pushed the limits of architecture. Directed by Kaspar Astrup Schröder, the film skillfully explores the personal story of Bjarke Ingels, with well-known journalist Charlie Rose and Ingels' mother Elisabet Ingels providing additional layers of depth to this portrait.

Solely focused on Ingels as his primary subject, Big Time is less about architecture as a stand-alone entity and more about the understanding the internal mechanism of a creative genius. The film explores Ingels as he embarks on a psychological journey to some of his seminal projects that straddle the line between Utopian idealism and grounded functionality. Bjarke Ingels’ presence as the lead figure in the documentary allows the viewer to experience the immense passion, commitment, and ambition that he possesses in his profession.

The movie opens up with Bjarke at the brink of success, where he has just gotten his first major project in New York City. He's designed a skyscraper complex for Manhattan - impressive and daringly different, the project represents a significant breakthrough in his career. But the film is not just about his triumphant streak; it simultaneously follows the trials and tribulations he faces as he is diagnosed with a life-altering health issue.

The movie additionally gives viewers an intimate look at the dichotomy of Ingels’s project designs, where he constantly grapples with the junction of practicality and architectural daring. The filming aptly captures his genius in crafting buildings that interweave social and environmental considerations, and follows him through his journey up until the completion of his designs, offering an unfiltered view of the modern architectural mastermind's design process.

Additionally, Big Time includes interviews with Ingels’ close friends, family, and colleagues, weaving in a personal narrative that elucidates his inner drive. With striking contributions from Charlie Rose and Elisabet Ingels, the film meaningfully articulates the enigma that is Bjarke Ingels. Rose, with his charm and charisma, paints a picture of Ingels as an individual who is not just an architect of buildings, but of ambitions and dreams too.

In one of the segments, Elisabet Ingels, Bjarke’s mother, unveils a charming backstory about Bjarke’s childhood, where his deep-seated love for creating unique designs and structures begun. She delves into his early interests, providing an account of the formative years that formed a foundational bedrock for Bjarke’s monumental success.

As Ingels juggles the complexities of large-scale architectural projects with the titanic stress that it puts on his health, he draws upon his own ingenuity, resilience, and strength to continue impressing the world with his remarkable designs. The viewer experiences an emotional roller-coaster that is a testament to Ingels' incredible journey and the power of human spirit.

Simultaneously, the film also lays emphasis on the enriching discussion about the integration of architecture into our daily lives. It triggers conversation about how architecture can be a riveting language of communication, reflecting societal structures, norms, and values.

Big Time is less a tribute and more of a cinematic representation of an innovative and influential figure currently shaping the architectural world. The documentary outlines Ingels’ journey on a broad scope, from his childhood ambitions to his most significant projects, portraying his relentless pursuit of creating architectural marvels. The film highlights the price of creativity in our contemporary world, contextualizing Ingels' journey in both the personal and professional spheres.

In conclusion, Big Time is truly a big time journey into the life of one of the most influential architects of our time, Bjarke Ingels. The movie provides an inspirational and thought-provoking watch for anyone interested in art, creativity, architecture, persistence and the human spirit. It is worth noting that one need not be an admirer of architecture or a follower of Ingels to appreciate this movie. The narrative rendered by Kaspar Astrup Schröder is powerful enough to captivate anyone looking for a story of determination, brilliance, and ambition.