AllMovie

Nathaniel Kahn's My Architect is a fascinating and moving document of the filmmaker's quest to understand his father's life and work. As Kahn's father was the historically important architect Louis Kahn, the film's exploration offers both a valuable look at late-20th century architecture and a deeply personal search, as Nathaniel tries to fathom why his father lived the way he did, forsaking his personal and financial responsibilities. Far from a hagiography, My Architect is critical, not only of the way Louis lived his life (not just his home life, but his inability to work well with others) but of some of the architect's heralded buildings as well. However, as Nathaniel travels the country, and the world, filming his father's buildings, and interviewing his associates, we get a clearer sense of the man's genius. From both an emotional and architectural standpoint, the film's highlight is when Nathaniel travels to Bangladesh to see the monumental, genuinely awe-inspiring capital his father designed for the impoverished nation in Dakha, which was not completed until nine years after Louis' death. As Bangladeshi architect Shamsul Wares tearfully explains to Nathaniel, "He gave us the institution for democracy." Louis Kahn's great work does not excuse his personal failings, but his story makes for an absorbing and thought-provoking film.