Customer Reviews

Visual Acoustics: The Modernism of Julius Shulman

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After waiting for nearly a year for the chance to see this, I had so hoped that this documentary would be worthy of Shulman and his extraordinary work. As mentioned in the video Modernist Shulman did not like Post Modernism architecture. Oddly what we have here, to present Julius Shulman born 1910 died 2009, is a dizzying Post Modernist chop chop documentary. I am absolutely enthralled by Shulman's photo work. And apart from the style of film making, what is most maddening is that Shulman's photographs, the very reason why the video should have been made, are usually on the screen for a period of less than four seconds each - four seconds! And during those sparse moments, Shulman's photos are moved around, swept across, have distracting CGI animated roads threading below - all just too much dazzle. Painfully, there is even a segment where a cartoon character is animated to walk in front of a few of Shulman's photos - the impact unbelievably amateurish at best. Shulman's work was used and experimented with like raw materials to show off what the filmmakers can do instead of showing us what Shulman did. If you have spent any time before or in a great work of architecture you know that understanding it, the space, your presence - takes time. I found myself continuously pausing the video for just the chance to see these historic, architectural photos. The video offers far too many distractions such as people commenting who really need not be in the video. The filmmaker and his crew did not need to be in the video, movie stars and their spouses need not have been included. Experts did not have to endlessly offer their reasons as to why Shulman is great - the photos could have done it in the most meaningful way. Within this documentary here is a video that could be pared down into a nice informative piece. Having Shulman on film is essential. Yet overall, the chopped up peppy editing style of trying to include too much betrayed him. Shulman and his work are truly great - a comment that relates well to his view on greatness in the bonus material. Actually, I think you can get a better sense of Shulman from the straightforward bonus material that was left out of the finished product. The trailer as well in many ways is better than the finished film. And it was nice to hear Dustin Hoffman as narrator throughout. For me, Hoffman's presence connected well to the great documentary series he hosted on Pollock, deKooning, Smith, Gorky, and Kline in the early eighties. I wish the Shulman filmmakers had seen those works.

move over, ken burns.

this film has it all ... engrossing content and brilliant delivery. even the soundtrack. mesmerizing.

it enlightens us with a powerful overview of modern architects and their architecture, in los angeles and elsewhere, frozen in time and unified through the collaborative efforts of a creative and devoted photographer ... who apparently was a real character in his own right.

this is his story. and the history of modern architecture. both well told by the filmmaker and all involved ... clients, colleagues, family, friends, and fans. including my former architecture history professor at ucla during the post-modern rage.

i rented this dvd from netflix. i will now buy the dvd AND the soundtrack cd to enjoy at will and share with others. yes, it's that good.

Visual Acoustics: The Modernism of Julius Shulman
Stunning film on the life and work of Julius Shulman, the master of
modern architectual photography. A must-have for any fan of mid-century
architecture and design.

I was referred to this wonderful DVD by a client of mine who loves architectural photography. I had heard of Julius Shulman, and seen some of his work, but this video shows the man behind the lens. And at age 98, he was an inspiration to all! A must watch for photographers, architects, architectural photographers, and those who love life.

I have seen the movie, "Visual Acoustics" several times before, at its debut and at several film festivals since. Julius Shulman was a wonderful friend that taught me so much during the last five years of his life. I purchased the film to keep his memory vivid in my consciousness, and to share with others I meet along the way.

Michael Locke, Editor "The Silver Lake News."

What a surprise this film was. My husband rented it for me from Netflix and I wondered why. How ashamed I am now that I did not know who Julius Shulman was. I love photography and as soon as I saw his photos on the screen, I knew I'd seen them before. Masterful photographer of architecture -- but not necessarily the big impressive buildings; he found ways to express the small masterpiece houses as well. And to top it off, what a charming man he was! By the end of the filming he was 98, but still the life of the party. Not only charming, but so interesting to listen to. If you met this guy at a party, you would want to sit down at his feet and hear as many of his stories as possible. As another reviewer posted, I am now purchasing the DVD as it's definitely a keeper. Well worth the investment. And I'm searching out his books to learn more about his photography as well. If you are interested in photography, "mid-century modern" architecture, or just charming and fascinating old guys, you should consider it.

This was a very enjoyable movie and is a must see for any fans of mid-century architecture and/or architectural photography. Mr. Shulman was a national treasure and this movie portrays this perfectly.

I saw this film at the Melbourne International Film Festival in 2009 when first released and loved it! Having my very own copy is a privilege. Such a great man! Such a great film!

visual acoustics is a beautiful film highlighting the visual style and approach of julius shulman.i admired his method to showcase the dwellings in his photographs. he had such an honest way of working and his images are part of our collective consciousness. the film represented different time periods and i enjoyed listening to mr shulman's reminesces. i'm glad i've purchased visual acoustics and look forward to repeated viewings.

If you are a fan of Modern architecture you must own/watch this documentary! It gives you an insiders look into the life of one of the artists responsible for creating some of the most important imagery of the golden era of Modern design... Thanks to Julius Shulman's lens generations of people have been able to enjoy and "enter" such wonderful masterpieces.