'(500) Days' of architecture

"(500) Days of Summer" has been rightly described as a movie fascinated by, even obsessed with, architecture. But the film's perspective on architecture -- and on the skyline of downtown Los Angeles in particular -- is severely, intriguingly limited.

You'll have to look very hard to see any buildings constructed after about 1950. That means no Frank Gehry, no Thom Mayne, no Rafael Moneo -- and also no A.C. Martin or Welton Becket, architects celebrated for shaping the post-war look of downtown.

Why the focus on old, under-appreciated downtown buildings? Surprisingly enough, it has something to do with the film's allegiance to a certain strand of emo culture -- to a finely honed sense of taste both specific and wide enough to honor "The Graduate," Regina Spektor, the Smiths and the Bradbury Building.

Read my critic's notebook in Friday's Calendar section or click here.

-- Christopher Hawthorne

Comments

[Bart]

Hwthorne misses the point of the romantic comedy. Of course old buildings are more romantic, especially to people who didn't experience them for the first time. Also, Disney Hall wouldn't issue permits.

[Sal]

It's to the film's credit that it omitted Disney Hall in particular - that place is an eyesore and, if included, would have only served to make the film look like a hackneyed Lexus commercial.

[Blister blue]

I have always loved the old buildings of downtown L.A. The old buildings deserve to be apart of a love story. I have also always been a fan of Gordon-Levitt. Just might have to see the movie!

[Carol Kline]

So impressed with your blog...I LOVED the film...saw it with my 23 year old daughter who thought it to be the BEST film she had seen in years. Now, I want to see it AGAIN because of your writing... Best to you!