A poetic journey through concrete and stone
Film Review: Architecton (2024)
Directed by Victor Kossakovsky
Released 10 January 2025, in cinemas across the UK
Victor Kossakovsky's Architecton is a striking exploration of the materials that shape our built environment: stone and concrete. This Berlin Film Festival prize nominee blends breathtaking cinematography with deep philosophical reflections on the impermanence of civilisation, highlighting the stark contrasts between the enduring strength of stone and the fleeting nature of concrete.
The film opens with a montage of rubble and ruins, immersing the viewer in the visual devastation of bombed-out buildings in Ukraine and the aftermath of the 2023 earthquake in Turkey. Through slow-motion shots of cascading pebbles and crumbling structures, Kossakovsky (known for his poetic style in Gunda and Aquarela) invites us to reflect on how humanity's creations both endure and decay over time.
At the heart of Architecton is the work of Italian architect Michele De Lucchi, who, on his property, arranges stones into a circle as a symbol of permanence amid the chaos. His work contrasts with the short-lived nature of modern concrete architecture, raising poignant questions about the sustainability and aesthetic value of buildings designed for a mere few decades of life.
The film’s visual language is as compelling as its message. Cinematographer Ben Bernhard uses drone footage to capture the majestic ruins of ancient sites like Baalbek in Lebanon, alongside scenes of contemporary destruction. The scale and grandeur of these stones, some weighing nearly 800 tonnes, prompt reflection on the longevity of stone structures compared to the transient nature of concrete buildings. As De Lucchi discusses the disposability of modern architecture, Kossakovsky’s camera lingers on the ancient remnants of humanity's past, underscoring the fragility of our current constructions.
One of the most striking aspects of Architecton is its ability to juxtapose these ancient wonders with the fractured remains of contemporary buildings. The film does not shy away from the violence inherent in construction, capturing the moment of destruction and the unsettling noise of shifting rubble. These visual and auditory contrasts highlight the tension between humanity’s ambition to build and the inevitable decay that follows.
Yet Architecton is more than just a documentary on construction materials; it’s a meditation on the larger existential questions of time, permanence, and human folly. Kossakovsky's use of slow-motion sequences — like stones being crushed in quarries or the slow collapse of buildings — draws us into a reflective state, where we are not just spectators of destruction but participants in a broader conversation about how we shape our world.
While some viewers may find the film’s pacing meditative to the point of indulgence, the stunning visuals and philosophical musings make it a deeply engaging experience for those willing to delve into its contemplative nature. Ultimately, Architecton serves as a timely reminder of the need for more thoughtful, enduring approaches to architecture in a world increasingly defined by rapid destruction and waste.
Architecton is available in UK cinemas from 10 January 2025, with further screenings at BFI IMAX London.
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