The Master Builder
The Master Builder

Movie spotlight

The Master Builder

1958
Movie
90 min
English

Halvard Solness is a middle-aged architect whose ruthlessness in his business makes him a hardened individual. Affected by his ambitions are his wife and his colleagues, until a young woman shows up asking for a promised kingdom.

Insights

Director: Ibsen (play), not attributed for filmGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

Based on Henrik Ibsen's 1892 play of the same name, 'The Master Builder' is a drama that delves into the psyche of Halvard Solness, an aging architect obsessed with his creations. He fears younger generations and believes he has a divine right to build his architectural masterpieces. His life becomes complicated by the arrival of Hilda Wangel, a young woman who has been captivated by his past work and seeks him out to fulfill a promise he made to her years ago, which he barely remembers.

Critical Reception

This 1958 adaptation of Ibsen's play received limited critical attention and commercial distribution, making a definitive overall reception difficult to gauge. However, its existence as a filmed version of a classic play suggests an artistic intent, likely appreciated by those familiar with Ibsen's work.

What Reviewers Say

  • A faithful translation of Ibsen's complex psychological drama.

  • Explores themes of ambition, aging, and the fear of obsolescence.

  • Features strong performances in its portrayal of artistic struggle.

Google audience: Audience reception is not widely documented for this specific film adaptation. However, Ibsen's play itself is generally admired for its thematic depth and character studies.

Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

The 1958 film is based on Henrik Ibsen's 1892 play, which is considered one of his most profound and autobiographical works, exploring themes that resonated with his own experiences as a playwright.

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