SYNOPSIS
Goff in the Desert presents 62 buildings from the American architect Bruce Goff (1904-1982) – from the smallest cottage to an impressive museum pavilion – and is the only cinematographic collection of almost all of his buildings still in existence. Bruce Goff is considered to be one of the ¡±greatest unknowns¡° of American architecture. As a determined experimenter, his works and designs were often in significant contrast to the ¡±International Style¡° movement.
REVIEW
Goff in the Desert presents a cinematic journey through the architectural legacy of American architect Bruce Goff. The film showcases a diverse array of Goff's creations, from a church with a sky-piercing spire to a secluded woodland residence and a distinctively patterned bank amidst urban monotony. In 2002, director Heinz Emigholz embarked on an extensive 40-day expedition across the United States, meticulously documenting 62 of Goff's buildings, with a particular focus on the southern states like Oklahoma, where Goff's influence was most pronounced. Consistent with Emigholz's signature style of cinematographically exploring architects' visions and sensibilities, Goff in the Deser serves as a visual catalog of Bruce Goff's architectural world. The film guides viewers through a series of evolving angles and perspectives, offering a unique insight into Goff's creative genius. Over its 110-minute runtime, the film accumulates images that capture the intricate details and compositions of these structures—elements that might escape conventional, functional observation. Set against stark and barren landscapes, these buildings stand as testament to Goff's ability to challenge his environment through design. Ultimately, Goff in the Desert conveys the comprehensive vision of a master architect who left an indelible mark on architectural history with his free-spirited imagination and innovative creativity. This work is a significant addition to both Emigholz's "Photography and Beyond" series and his "Architecture as Autobiography" series, offering viewers a deep dive into the world of a quiet yet influential architectural pioneer.