

Movie spotlight
Bâtir
After filming the construction site of the Berlitz Palace (2nd), Pierre Chenal shows us in contrast other contemporary architectural achievements which, using the same technical processes, do not sacrifice the structure of iron and concrete for decoration. A documentary to the glory of the modern designs of Mallet-Stevens and Le Corbusier.
Insights
Plot Summary
This short documentary captures the construction of a building, showcasing the labor and process involved in its creation. It offers a glimpse into early 20th-century industrial and architectural practices. The film highlights the physical effort and techniques employed by workers during this period. It serves as a historical record of building development.
Critical Reception
As an early documentary, 'Bâtir' is primarily valued for its historical significance rather than critical artistic merit. It's recognized for its observational style and its documentation of industrial processes. While not reviewed in the modern sense, its importance lies in its contribution to the early history of cinema and its subject matter.
What Reviewers Say
A significant early example of documentary filmmaking.
Provides valuable historical insight into construction methods of the era.
Notable for its direct, unadorned presentation of its subject.
Google audience: Audience reception for 'Bâtir' is largely historical, with modern viewers appreciating its novelty as an early film and its documentary value.
Fun Fact
Auguste Lumière, along with his brother Louis, is credited with inventing the Cinématographe, a device that served as a motion picture camera, printer, and projector, thus playing a pivotal role in the birth of cinema.
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