Jens Jensen The Living Green

Jens Jensen The Living Green is a compelling cinematic journey that brings to life one of America's most influential landscape architects, Jens Jensen. This 2013 biographical documentary, directed by Carey Lundin, features the notable figures like Alfred Caldwell, a protégé of Jensen and continues his legacy, Jens Jensen, and Jensen Wheeler Wolfe, the great-granddaughter of Jensen. By presenting the past and present through the perspectives of individuals who either knew Jensen or have been influenced by his work, the film paints a rounded and informative portrait of this iconic figure in American landscape design.

Lundin's portrayal of Jensen adeptly captures his meteoric rise from a street sweeper to a landscape artist whose works continue to inspire landscape architecture today. Born and raised in Denmark, Jensen emigrated to the United States in 1884. His deep love for nature, born from his childhood surrounded by the beauty of rural Denmark, heavily influenced his designs which were renowned for incorporating native plants and imitating nature's natural processes.

The film explores the career arc of Jensen, demonstrating how he applied democratic principles to design public spaces, transforming them into verdant, naturalistic parks. His aim was to bring nature into urban areas, where city dwellers could spend time in green spaces to connect with the environment. This became his life-long passion and advocacy, earning him the name 'the dean of American landscape architects'.

Alfred Caldwell, a student under Jensen and later his successor, is a central figure in the documentary, recalling intimate and impactful interactions with his mentor. His testament helps provide an insider’s look at how Jensen operated, believed in, and fought for the spaces that could provide physical and spiritual respite for urban denizens. By including Caldwell's recounted experiences, the film underscores Jensen's impact on the next generation of landscape architects and his enduring legacy in the ideology of landscape design.

The documentary also features Jensen Wheeler Wolfe, Jensen's great-granddaughter, who shares personal stories and insights about his philosophy. She brings an emotional and familial connection to the narrative, offering a poignant personal perspective on Jensen's life and work.

Despite the film’s period setting, the issues of conservation and eco-awareness spotlighted in "Jens Jensen The Living Green" remain remarkably relevant. As Jensen's city parks and gardens are threatened by urban development, the film emphasizes the value of green spaces in urban neighborhoods. Much like the man himself, the film's point-of-view is resolutely in favor of preserving natural resources, creating a powerful argument for the environmental responsibility of individuals and communities alike.

Furthermore, the film includes rich archival footage and stills, as well as interviews with contemporary landscape architects, academics, and historians, that pair neatly with the personal reflections. Through their expert commentaries, viewers are given a broader historical and societal context in which Jensen’s work took place. The narrative is further enhanced by breathtaking visuals of the parks and landscapes designed by Jensen, which are vivid reminders of the enduring beauty and relevance of his work.

Near the end of his life, Jensen created 'The Clearing', a folk school in Wisconsin as a space for individuals to reconnect with nature. Here, people could escape city noise and immerse themselves in the wilderness, evoking an important message which Jensen carried throughout his life: the need for every individual to experience the rejuvenating power of nature.

"Jens Jensen The Living Green" is a genuine, insightful biography that celebrates the life and work of a visionary green space advocate. It bridges the gap between history and contemporary environmental issues with an invigorating narrative that prompts viewers to reconsider the value of nature in urban areas. It is inspiring, edifying, and, most importantly, an honest portrayal of a man revered by many as one of the pioneers of American landscape architecture. The movie leaves audiences with a heightened sense of appreciation for the ability of natural spaces to enrich city living and serve as gateways to understanding and preserving our natural environment.