Movies: E.1027: Eileen Gray and the House by the Sea (2024) by Beatrice Minger & Christoph Schaub: A Feminist Retelling of an Architectural Crime
- dailyentertainment95
- Aug 30
- 4 min read
A Masterpiece Vandalized
E.1027: Eileen Gray and the House by the Sea is a Swiss docu-fiction film directed by Beatrice Minger and Christoph Schaub. The movie chronicles the story of Irish architect and designer Eileen Gray and her seminal modernist villa, E.1027, on the French Riviera. The film focuses on the dramatic and infuriating events that unfolded when the famous Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier, out of what is seen as a mix of jealousy and disrespect, vandalized the house by painting large, vibrant murals on its pristine white walls, against Gray's wishes. The film is a powerful and visually poetic exploration of a woman's fight for her own artistic space in a world dominated by men.
Why to watch this movie: A Visually Stunning and Urgent Story
A Hybrid Masterpiece: The film is a unique blend of documentary and fiction, seamlessly combining archival footage, re-enactments, and artful soundstage scenes to create an immersive cinematic experience.
Relevant and Timely: It provides a searing and timely commentary on professional envy, gender inequality in the arts, and the male appropriation of female creations.
Architectural History Reclaimed: For architecture and design enthusiasts, the film is a vital and stunning re-examination of E.1027, restoring credit to its rightful creator and showcasing the villa's genius.
Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/e-1027-eileen-gray-and-the-house-by-the-sea (US), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/e-1027-eileen-gray-and-the-house-by-the-sea (Canada), https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/e-1027-eileen-gray-and-the-house-by-the-sea (UK), https://www.justwatch.com/fr/film/e-1027-eileen-gray-and-the-house-by-the-sea (France)
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31597947/
Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/458941/
What is the Trend followed?: The "Feminist Biography" and Docu-Fiction
Feminist Biography: The film follows the trend of biographies that seek to reclaim the legacies of overlooked or underappreciated women from history, particularly those whose work has been overshadowed by male counterparts.
Docu-Fiction: It is part of the growing trend of hybrid films that use a combination of documentary and fictional techniques to tell a more complete and emotionally resonant story.
Revisiting Modernism: The film aligns with the trend of re-evaluating the history of modernism, with a focus on its more problematic aspects, such as the male-centric narrative that has dominated the field for decades.
Director's Vision: Vandalism as a Cinematic Theme
Directors Minger and Schaub sought to make a film that was less a straightforward biography and more a cinematic journey into Eileen Gray's mind, her artistic philosophy, and the "violence" of Le Corbusier's actions.
Their vision was to showcase the visual language of architecture on screen, using the film medium to bring Gray's genius to life.
They wanted to portray the "creative vandalism" of Le Corbusier as a physical manifestation of the intellectual and professional jealousy that plagued Gray's career.
Themes: Vandalism, Appropriation, and Legacy
Vandalism and Violence: The film presents Le Corbusier's act of painting the murals as a deliberate act of violence and vandalism, a physical and symbolic assault on Gray's design and her artistic integrity.
Artistic Appropriation: A central theme is the male appropriation of female creation. The film explores how Le Corbusier, through his murals and subsequent publications, attempted to steal credit for the house and overwrite Gray's legacy.
Legacy and Memory: The film is a poetic and powerful exploration of legacy, as it shows how Gray's reputation was intentionally damaged and how her house fell into disrepair, reflecting the neglect of her own history.
Key success factors: Authenticity and Atmosphere
Artistic and Authentic Production: The film's use of meticulously recreated sets and its ability to shoot inside the real, restored E.1027 villa are key factors in its success.
Strong Lead Performance: Natalie Radmall-Quirke, who portrays Eileen Gray, is praised for her authentic and graceful performance, bringing the character to life with great respect and emotional depth.
A Timely Message: The film's exploration of gender inequality in the arts has resonated with critics and audiences, making it a relevant and impactful watch.
Awards and Nominations: A Festival Favorite
The film has been a success on the festival circuit, with notable screenings at CPH:DOX, Zurich Film Festival, and the Architecture & Design Film Festival. It also received a nomination for Best Documentary at the Swiss Film Awards.
Critics Reception: A Poetic and Thought-Provoking Docufiction
Sight and Sound: Calls the film an "elegant docufiction journey through a real-life modernist melodrama," praising its respect for Gray's vision.
Film Ireland Magazine: Praises the film's "ruminative approach" and its "inventive" use of different cinematic techniques to tell a complex story.
The critical reception for E.1027 is largely positive. Critics laud its artistic vision and its brave, honest portrayal of a difficult subject, though some have noted a lack of focus on Gray's entire life story.
Reviews: Grounded and Emotionally Resonant
MUBI: Describes the film as a "stylish docufiction about an iconic artist and architect," highlighting its focus on the "love triangle of jealousy" between Gray, her lover Jean Badovici, and Le Corbusier.
The Arts Desk: Calls the film "an elegant and slippery work," noting its success in avoiding the missteps of a prior film that put too much focus on Le Corbusier.
Reviews confirm that the film is a powerful and important work that succeeds in its mission to shine a light on Eileen Gray's genius and the injustices she faced.
What Movie Trend film is following: "Indie Architectural Drama"
The film follows the trend of independent cinema that uses architecture and design as a central character. It's a niche genre that explores the personalities and stories behind famous buildings, a trend that is becoming more popular.
What Big Social Trend is following: The Reclaiming of Female History
The film directly addresses the social trend of reclaiming and celebrating the contributions of women throughout history. It is part of a larger movement to correct the historical record and give women like Eileen Gray the recognition they deserve, challenging the patriarchal narratives that have long dominated fields like architecture and art.
Final Verdict: An Essential and Lyrical Documentary
E.1027: Eileen Gray and the House by the Sea is a stunning and vital film. With its unique format, powerful message, and masterful direction, it is not just a film for architecture buffs but for anyone interested in a poignant story of art, injustice, and resilience.
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