The Belly of an Architect Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

An architect goes to Rome to show off old buildings, but his tummy ache ruins everything, kind of like when you eat too much pizza.

🍿 The Belly of an Architect: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Arrival in Rome and the Exhibition

Stourley Kracklite, an American architect, travels to Rome with his younger wife, Louisa, to curate an exhibition dedicated to the 18th-century French architect Étienne-Louis Boullée. Kracklite is deeply passionate about Boullée’s work, particularly his visionary and often unrealized designs.

Deterioration and Obsession

As the exhibition preparations progress, Kracklite begins to suffer from severe stomach pains, leading to an increasing obsession with his health and the human abdomen. He becomes convinced that he is being poisoned, fueling his paranoia and distrust of those around him. This physical ailment becomes a metaphor for the unraveling of his life and career.

Infidelity and Betrayal

Kracklite’s relationship with Louisa deteriorates as she becomes involved with Caspasian Speckler, a younger Italian architect who is also involved in the exhibition. This betrayal intensifies Kracklite’s sense of isolation and further fuels his paranoia, leading him to act erratically and alienate his colleagues.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Stourley Kracklite (Brian Dennehy): An American architect obsessed with Boullée, who spirals into physical and mental decline while preparing an exhibition in Rome.
• Louisa Kracklite (Chloe Webb): Stourley’s younger wife who seeks attention and finds herself in an affair while pregnant.
• Caspasian Speckler (Lambert Wilson): A younger, ambitious Italian architect who becomes Louisa’s lover and Stourley’s rival.
• Io Speckler (Sergio Fantoni): Caspasian’s father.
• Flavia Speckler (Stefania Casini): Caspasian’s sister and Stourley’s brief fling.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Caspasian Speckler: “Your wife is very beautiful, Signor Kracklite, especially when she is pregnant.” – Said in a taunting manner, hinting at his affair with Kracklite’s wife.
• Stourley Kracklite: “Yes, that’s right. She is pregnant. But not with your child, Speckler.” – Kracklite’s strained reply reveals his awareness of the situation and his mounting stress.
• Caspasian Speckler: “True. I’m very grateful to you for that. Your child, shall we say, is the most perfect contraceptive.” – Speckler’s cutting remark is the final straw, prompting Kracklite to punch him.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $287,725
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 The Belly of an Architect Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, what a trip! I was completely drawn into Stourley Kracklite’s world. The way the film captures Rome is breathtaking, and Dennehy’s performance is just heart-wrenching. The scene where he’s frantically photocopying the statue’s belly? Intense! It left me pondering about the connections between art, body, and the decay of the soul. Definitely a film that sticks with you.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Peter Greenaway’s distinctive directorial style”
  • “Viewers interested in architecture and art history”
  • “Those who appreciate character-driven dramas with psychological depth”
  • “Audiences who enjoy films set in visually stunning locations like Rome”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Male nudity”
  • “Infidelity”
  • “Suicide”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Indiewire: “A visually stunning and thought-provoking film that explores themes of obsession, betrayal, and mortality. Brian Dennehy delivers a powerful performance as the architect whose life unravels amidst the backdrop of ancient Rome. The film’s striking imagery and haunting score create a captivating and unforgettable cinematic experience.
• MovieWeb: “Brian Dennehy shines in this captivating drama about an architect’s physical and emotional breakdown in Rome. Peter Greenaway’s unique visual style and the film’s exploration of art, architecture, and human frailty make it a must-see for fans of art-house cinema.

Audience Reactions

Brian Dennehy’s performance is captivating and emotional.: Viewers praise the movie’s visual beauty and thoughtful exploration of themes like obsession and art.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning film featuring a compelling performance by Brian Dennehy. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of obsession, art, and the human condition.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Brian Dennehy considered this film his personal best, stating he had made many movies but only one film.”
• “The film’s visual style is heavily influenced by Peter Greenaway’s background as a painter, with meticulously composed shots and a strong emphasis on symmetry.”
• “The soundtrack, though reminiscent of Michael Nyman’s style, was composed by Wim Mertens, adding to the film’s distinctive atmosphere.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Belly of an Architect?

Currently, “The Belly of an Architect” is not widely available on major streaming platforms like Prime Video or Netflix. However, keep an eye on platforms such as Criterion Channel which often feature films by Peter Greenaway. You may be able to rent or purchase the movie on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, or Vudu. Check JustWatch for updated availability in your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Belly of an Architect, you might like these similar films:

• 8 1/2 (1963): Both films explore the mental and creative struggles of a protagonist facing professional and personal crises in Italy.
• The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989): Another Peter Greenaway film known for its striking visuals, provocative themes, and exploration of the human body.
• Death in Venice (1971): Shares a theme of slow decline and obsession in a visually rich Italian setting.
• Synecdoche, New York (2008): Explores the protagonist’s ambition which drives a man to the brink of insanity.

🛒 The Belly of an Architect Related Products

• The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: Another visually stunning film by Peter Greenaway, now in a pristine Criterion Collection edition. Features a similar arthouse style and thought-provoking themes, making it a great addition for Greenaway fans.
• Rome: A Cultural History (Oxford Cultural Histories): An in-depth exploration of Rome’s rich cultural history, as seen in the film. Gain deeper insights into the architecture, art, and society that shape the movie’s themes.
• Architects Sketchbook: A must have item for any architect
• The Draughtsman’s Contract [Blu-ray]: Another well known Peter Greenaway film in Blu Ray to complete your Peter Greenaway collection.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Belly of an Architect features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Birds for the Mind” – performed by Wim Mertens
• “Struggle for Pleasure” – performed by Wim Mertens

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

WIM MERTENS ~ ”The Belly Of An Architect”

Ever wondered about the haunting music that really sets the mood in ‘The Belly of an Architect’? This video features a beautiful piece by Wim Mertens from the film’s soundtrack. Give it a listen – it’s seriously captivating and gives the film so much depth!

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