Watch Perret in France and Algeria

Perret in France and Algeria is a 2012 documentary film directed by Heinz Emigholz, exploring the architectural designs of Auguste and Gustave Perret in both France and Algeria. The film offers a unique perspective on the buildings and cities created by the Perret brothers and situates their work within a historical, cultural and political context.

The documentary is structured in a series of chapters focusing on specific buildings, spaces, and cities that showcase the work of Auguste and Gustave Perret. Emigholz shot the film in a series of static shots, from various angles and distances, with no voice-over commentary, presenting the audience with a visually driven narrative.

The film begins by introducing the Perret brothers, Auguste and Gustave, who were major figures in the architectural world of the early 20th century. Auguste was responsible for designing the Church of Notre-Dame-du-Raincy, a circular, shell-shaped church that became a model for modern church architecture, while Gustave was famous for his work in the field of reinforced concrete.

The film then moves on to explore the work of Auguste and Gustave Perret in France, particularly in the city of Le Havre, which was devastated by bombing during World War II. The Perret brothers were given the opportunity to rebuild the city from scratch, and their work resulted in a modern and striking urban environment that still stands today.

Perret in France and Algeria also delves into the Perret brothers' work in North Africa, particularly in Algiers, where they designed a series of iconic buildings that still stand as prime examples of modern colonial architecture. The film highlights the contrast between the European-inspired aesthetic of these buildings with traditional Algerian architecture, opening up questions regarding colonization, imperialism, and cultural hegemony.

Throughout the documentary, Emigholz presents the audience with a fascinating look at the buildings, landscapes, and spaces created by the Perret brothers. The film focuses on the interplay between light and shadow, form and function, and the ways that architecture both reflects and shapes the social and cultural landscape it inhabits.

One of the most striking aspects of Perret in France and Algeria is its cinematography. Emigholz's use of static shots allows the viewer to take in the buildings and spaces in their entirety, revealing their beauty, complexity, and grandeur. The film also explores the textures and surfaces of the buildings, emphasizing the materiality of the structures and highlighting the unique qualities of the materials used in their construction.

Perret in France and Algeria is not just a film about architecture; it is also a documentary that explores the politics and social contexts that shaped the Perret brothers' work. As the film moves from France to Algeria, it becomes clear that the Perret brothers' work cannot be divorced from the political and social contexts of their time. The documentary raises critical questions about colonization, imperialism, and the role of architecture in shaping cultural identity.

Overall, Perret in France and Algeria is a visually stunning and thought-provoking documentary. Through its masterful cinematography and nuanced exploration of architecture and culture, the film provides a unique perspective on the work of Auguste and Gustave Perret, as well as the historical and social contexts in which they worked. For anyone interested in architecture, history, or culture, this documentary is a must-see.