A biographical documentary is only as interesting as its subject — and sometimes its filmmaker, which describes both the strengths and weaknesses of "My Architect: A Son's Journey."
On one hand, this Academy Award-profile of famed architect Louis Kahn isn't afraid to show just how flawed the man actually was (he fathered at least two children with two women who weren't his wife). Such information, when added to archival footage of and interviews with Kahn, does help form a fascinating picture of a talented but troubled human being.
On the other hand, the constant presence in the film of one of Kahn's illegitimate children — his son, Nathaniel, who made this documentary to find out more about him — becomes irksome. Despite views of the elder Kahn's most famous works, such as the Salk Center in La Jolla, Calif., the film begins to wear out its welcome. Especially given its 116-minute length, which is at least 15 minutes too long.
Still, it may be just interesting enough to hold the interest of most audiences.
"My Architect" follows the younger Kahn as he attempts to retrace the life path of his father, whom Nathaniel knew for only the first 11 years of his life. He looks into the peculiar circumstances of his father's death in 1974 at New York's Penn Station — which includes talking to someone who claims to have witnessed his final moments — and attempts to figure out how his father became a love-'em-and-leave-'em type of guy.
The younger Kahn isn't nearly as captivating a character as his father. And some of the interviews with former colleagues, friends and family members aren't as insightful as you might wish. But you can't blame Nathaniel for wanting to personalize his efforts. And it's hard to slam a film that features such beautiful shots of the elder Kahn's architectural works (kudos to veteran documentary cinematographer Robert Richman).
"My Architect: A Son's Journey" is not rated but would probably receive a PG for scattered use of strong profanity. Running time: 116 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com