Regular or Super: Views on Mies van der Rohe is a documentary film that explores the life and work of one of the most important architects of the 20th century, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The movie takes a closer look at Mies' legacy and presents different perspectives on his work and the impact he had on modern architecture. The film is divided into two parts, each titled "Regular" and "Super" respectively. These titles refer to Mies' famous aphorism "Less is More", which is often misunderstood and misused, according to some of the interviewees. The first part of the film, "Regular", presents an overview of Mies' life and work, and includes interviews with architects, critics, historians and scholars who discuss his ideas, style, and context. The second part, "Super", focuses on a specific building that Mies designed, the IBM Plaza in Chicago, and includes interviews with the people who work in and around the building, as well as with its architect, Dirk Lohan, who was Mies' protégé.
Throughout the film, the interviewees offer different interpretations of Mies' work and personality. Some praise him for his minimalist aesthetic, his attention to detail, and his use of materials like steel and glass. Others criticize him for being too rigid, too elitist, and for producing sterile, repetitive buildings. Several interviewees reference Mies' role as the director of the famous Bauhaus school in Germany, where he had to navigate political and social pressure, as well as artistic and pedagogical disagreements. The film also highlights the influence of Mies' work on other disciplines, such as art, design, and culture in general.
One of the strengths of the film is the diversity of voices and perspectives it presents. The interviewees come from different countries, generations, and professional backgrounds, and offer nuanced and sometimes conflicting opinions on Mies' work. Some interviewees appear several times throughout the film, allowing the viewer to follow their train of thought and see how their views evolve. The interviews are also supplemented by archival footage of Mies himself, as well as photographs and drawings of his buildings.
Another strength of the film is its attention to the context in which Mies worked, both historically and culturally. The film carefully situates Mies' work within the broader architectural movements of his time, such as modernism, functionalism, and the International Style. It also discusses the political and social upheavals that Mies experienced, from his early years in Germany to his later years in America. The film thus brings a sense of depth and complexity to Mies' work, and invites the viewer to understand it as a product of its time and place.
However, some viewers might find the film too dense and academic. The interviews are often lengthy and intense, and require a certain level of knowledge and interest in architecture and art history. The film also lacks a clear narrative or structure, which might make it difficult for some viewers to follow. Some interviewees also appear more than others, and some topics receive more attention than others, which might lead to a feeling of unevenness or incompleteness.
Overall, Regular or Super: Views on Mies van der Rohe is a thoughtful and engaging documentary that offers a multifaceted portrait of a seminal figure in modern architecture. The film brings together different perspectives and voices, and allows the viewer to form their own opinion on Mies' work and legacy. The film is recommended for anyone interested in architecture, art history, and cultural studies.
