Frank Lloyd Wright: The Man Who Built America

Frank Lloyd Wright: The Man Who Built America is a captivating and enlightening 2017 feature-length documentary that presents an in-depth portrayal of one of America's most innovative and influential architects, Frank Lloyd Wright. This biographical examination is enriched by the performances of Jonathan Adams, presenting the vivid narration, Wyn Thomas as the leading expert on Wright’s architecture, and the inclusion of many archival footages and interviews with Frank Lloyd Wright, offering the audience a firsthand insight into his genius mind and revolutionary vision.

This riveting film not only delves into the professional life of Wright but also explores his personal life, childhood, and relationships that molded his architectural philosophy and shaped his uniquely creative approach. It paints a multifaceted portrait of a man who was not only a leading figure in architecture but also a pivotal character in the larger panorama of American cultural history.

The film opens by providing the viewers with a brief overview of who Frank Lloyd Wright was and what he contributed to America and the world at large, before journeying back in time to focus on his early years. It vividly chronicles his upbringing in rural Wisconsin and the significant impact it had on his vision and architectural style, which was largely inspired by natural forms and the American Midwest's landscape.

As the narration progresses, the focus shifts to his outstanding career, exploring his fearless, out-of-the-box approach, and avant-garde design aesthetics that drastically changed American living and city landscapes. His various architectural masterpieces, including Fallingwater, Guggenheim Museum, Robie House, and more, receive insightful commentary, underlining their importance from a social, historical, and artistic perspective. The audience is offered the rare opportunity to explore the mind behind these iconic landmarks through a detailed look at Wright's design principles and his unique interpretations of harmony between human habitats and the natural environment, which he coined as 'organic architecture'.

The narrative further touches upon Wright's personal trials and tragedies that profoundly affected his life and work. His somewhat scandalous private life, tumultuous relationships, and the devastating fire and murder at his Taliesin home are handled sensitively. Instead of dwelling on the sensationalism, the focus remains on how these experiences impacted and reshaped his artistic journey. His career ups and downs, his struggles with financial instability, professional rivalry, and the public reception of his pioneering ideas, are also portrayed, adding more layers to the complex persona of this remarkable individual.

Wright’s legacy and significant posthumous contributions are highlighted towards the close. The film is also an exploration of his wider influence on the built environment and American society, focusing on how Wright’s philosophy continues to inspire and guide contemporary architectural principles. This takes a vivid form during the segments covering his utopian, mile-high skyscraper concept, ‘The Illinois’ and his dream of creating a democratic American architecture accessible to all, known as 'Usonian Homes'.

Jonathan Adams' compelling narration brings Wright's story to life, adopting a tone that is both informative and engaging, making this documentary a thoroughly absorbing watch for both architecture enthusiasts and general audiences alike. Wyn Thomas, an expert on Wright’s work, imparts deeper wisdom on Wright's architectural tenets, his aesthetic sense, and iconoclastic spirit that dared to challenge traditional conventions.

The documentary is visually beautiful, using archival materials, stunning cinematography, and digital reconstructions to showcase Wright’s architecture. It uses a variety of shots, including aerial views of Wright's creations, blueprints, original sketches, and interior detailing to let viewers appreciate the full depth and scope of Wright’s innovative genius.

Ultimately, Frank Lloyd Wright: The Man Who Built America stands as a compelling narrative of a multi-faceted personality, extravagant in both his professional and personal capacities. It is a testament to a man tirelessly challenged and changed the conventions of his time, someone who dared to break norms, dream differently, and in the process, created an architectural narrative eternally etched in our world. This film is a fitting tribute to a man who was not only a revolutionary architect but a formidable part of American history.