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I've got my copy of the documentary The Oviatt Building on DVD, which was recently debuted at that venue, and it's an impressive piece of work.
As a midwesterner who has never seen the Oviatt building and knew next to nothing about it or its history, I went into it with fresh eyes. It is hard to imagine a more thorough treatment of this subject undertaken for video. From the biographical information about the original Alexander & Oviatt founders right through to the building's current designers and occupants, the story is well-told and feels very complete.
Seth Shulman, director and editor of the film, lends his excellent sense of timing to what must have been a daunting task - assembling a disparate collection of still photographs into an interesting, moving sequence. Though at rare times the transitions veer from the overall feel of the work, Seth Shulman did an exceptional and professional job of keeping the story visually interesting, well-timed and in sync with the narration. The visuals are greatly enhanced by the soundtrack, provided by Mora's Modern Rhythmists.
The narration itself is perhaps the high point of the film. Lena Purtu's quiet, involved delivery is perfectly matched with the fades and cuts depicting the extraordinary opulence of the Oviatt Building.
The film is striking for its sense of intimate access to original material. Interviews with surviving Oviatt family members (though the main characters are long deceased), along with first-hand stories of susequent owners and developers, blend with an astonishing wealth of photographs to give one the sense of gaining access to delicious insider secrets. Marc Chevalier, executive producer, is also host and storyteller, and his passion for the material is evident.
To the filmmakers' enormous credit, the spotlight remains on the Oviatt Building itself from first to last. The building is the star of the show, and we get to meet and know her grace, beauty and historic landmark charm in spectacular visuals and wonderful stories. The vibrant, soaring optimism of the 1920's is clearly conveyed, as are the tremendous stresses of the early depression years, the glamor of the Hollywood clientele, and the later, Homeric tragedies which befell James Oviatt and his small family. This is the story of the Oviatt Building, but it is also a grand tale reflecting Urban 20th century America.
This is well worth buying, well worth watching, and a great DVD to have in your collection.
The Oviatt Building DVD is available from Puzzled Pictures.
As a midwesterner who has never seen the Oviatt building and knew next to nothing about it or its history, I went into it with fresh eyes. It is hard to imagine a more thorough treatment of this subject undertaken for video. From the biographical information about the original Alexander & Oviatt founders right through to the building's current designers and occupants, the story is well-told and feels very complete.
Seth Shulman, director and editor of the film, lends his excellent sense of timing to what must have been a daunting task - assembling a disparate collection of still photographs into an interesting, moving sequence. Though at rare times the transitions veer from the overall feel of the work, Seth Shulman did an exceptional and professional job of keeping the story visually interesting, well-timed and in sync with the narration. The visuals are greatly enhanced by the soundtrack, provided by Mora's Modern Rhythmists.
The narration itself is perhaps the high point of the film. Lena Purtu's quiet, involved delivery is perfectly matched with the fades and cuts depicting the extraordinary opulence of the Oviatt Building.
The film is striking for its sense of intimate access to original material. Interviews with surviving Oviatt family members (though the main characters are long deceased), along with first-hand stories of susequent owners and developers, blend with an astonishing wealth of photographs to give one the sense of gaining access to delicious insider secrets. Marc Chevalier, executive producer, is also host and storyteller, and his passion for the material is evident.
To the filmmakers' enormous credit, the spotlight remains on the Oviatt Building itself from first to last. The building is the star of the show, and we get to meet and know her grace, beauty and historic landmark charm in spectacular visuals and wonderful stories. The vibrant, soaring optimism of the 1920's is clearly conveyed, as are the tremendous stresses of the early depression years, the glamor of the Hollywood clientele, and the later, Homeric tragedies which befell James Oviatt and his small family. This is the story of the Oviatt Building, but it is also a grand tale reflecting Urban 20th century America.
This is well worth buying, well worth watching, and a great DVD to have in your collection.
The Oviatt Building DVD is available from Puzzled Pictures.
