So last night I went to go see Eames: The Architect and the Painter at the IFC center. Tonight is the last night to see it. You should go.
The movie was an amazing portrait of some amazing lives and an amazing time in our history.The Eames managed to take commercial success in mass produced chairs and become storytellers, movie producers and toy makers. Today we think nothing of such things – the multidisciplinary studio concept is now well established – you can make silverware and movies and ads and buildings if you can get away with it…
The power of the collaboration between Ray and Charles is pretty amazing…I think the question of “who did what” is irrelevant once you look at how detail oriented, precise and deep Ray was…and I really have to admit that I didn’t know much about her contribution at all. It’s clear that none of it would have happened if they weren’t together.
One of the most poignant moments for me was the description of how Eames managed his relationships with IBM, Kodak and other such industry giants – directly with the CEOs, with a handshake. No contracts, no alignment meetings, no midphase revisions…none of the trappings of working with corporate America today – subcommittees, senior directors…many layers to get to the people who have the power to say yes, many layers that dilute and diffuse the power of an idea. I was left feeling reminiscent for something I’d never had!
I could say more…but I won’t. Just go get a ticket.
I went to see Eames on its opening night in LA. We couldn’t understand why we were the youngest people there. Turns out most of the audience were folks for their original design studio! It was so cool! Great Q&A at the end of the film. A must see for sure.
That is *awesome*! those people seem like a talented bunch…would have loved to hear their Q&A!