Eames: The Architect and the Painter




A few nights ago I Netflixed Eames: The Architect and the Painter, which is a documentary about the iconic design couple, Charles and Ray Eames, behind the Eames chair and major contributors to the world of architecture and design. 

I knew very little about the designers beforehand other than having seen their famous chair in dozens of books, magazines and websites throughout my life. Their name is synonymous with timeless, beautiful and functional design. If you search for furniture on Craigslist or Ebay, you will undoubtedly see "Eames or Eames-inspired" sprinkled throughout item descriptions. Sometimes this is accurate and other times, the seller is just trying to pull a fast one (you are too smart for this though, I know.) 

What's interesting about the doc is that in addition to discussing the artists' work, you get a glimpse into their personal lives and idiosyncratic behavior. Interviews with former employees and colleagues show the couple very honestly and you get a sense that despite their design aesthetic being so clean and modern, the couple was pretty quirky. For example, one night they hosted a dinner party in their fabulous home and for dessert, they brought out a beautiful flower arrangement. A "visual treat." One guest was so annoyed and still hungry that he left to go to Dairy Queen. Can you imagine?! 

If you have a chance to watch this, let me know what you think! Would love to hear your thoughts. 


8 comments:

Harley :

oh! I am adding this to my netflix. Ill let you know what i think.

little luxury list :

Eames did create such iconic pieces for the home. I would have been mad if I got a display as dessert!
Thanks for the movie review and have a lovely week!

xoxo,
Chic 'n Cheap Living

{The Design Daredevil} Jessie D. Miller :

I saw this and loved it! I have been thinking about the Eames so much lately, I found a clip of Ice Cube touring the Eames home that I have been meaning to post on. So interesting!

Brooklyn :

Interesting! Will definitely add it to the queue!

Nicole :

I watched this with my art history nerd boyfriend the other day and enjoyed it as well. Quite honestly I hope I'd have the decorum to act otherwise, but if someone promised me dessert and presented a "visual treat" instead, I imagine I'd be quite peeved as well.

jaclyn @ thelateafternoon :

this sounds like a great film. i'll be "netflix-ing" this the next time I'm in the mood for a film!

Anonymous :

i saw this film on PBS and now wish I would have taped it....it was great and I learned so much about not only these two geniuses and their brilliant staff, but also about an era that they helped design on many levels. This is a must see for not only designers, but for anybody interested in the near past. DONT MISS IT!!!
The film makers put together a brilliant montage that should be required watching in design schools. and even business schools for that matter. FUN, INTERESTING AND INFORMATIVE FOR ALL.

Carlene :

I just watched this the other night. I always revered the Eames's, but (without spoiling) I was a little disappointed in Charles, if you know what I mean. Some things you just wish you could unsee.

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