Bauhaus Spirit

Bauhaus Spirit: A Hundred Years of Bauhaus is an exemplary documentary released in 2018, taking a glance at Germany's formidable design and architecture school, Bauhaus. The film features retrospections of the remarkable artists and thinkers such as Annie Albers, Josef Albers, and Torsten Blume who were central figures in Bauhaus’ development, signifying its immeasurable impact on the world of design and society as a whole.

The 90-minute documentary with its striking visuals, directed by Niels Bolbrinker and Thomas Tielsch, guides the audience through the unique and captivating world of Bauhaus. The film uses a rich collage of visuals, including personal accounts, photographs, sketches, and shots of some of the iconic real-world structures born out of the innovative, avant-garde school. The film does not just dive into the history of the school, which was founded by Walter Gropius in 1919, however; it goes much further by probing its historical context and modernistic perspectives.

Bauhaus Spirit focuses on the principles of the school, characterized by experimentation, practicality, and the elimination of the boundary between art and industry. Throughout the film, the directors explore the ideal of Bauhaus—creating a 'total work of art' where form follows function—in a historical, socio-cultural, and economic context. The movie illuminates how radical the school was, not only focusing on architecture and design but also delving into social reform, deconstructing the wall between the craftsman and the artist.

Annie Albers and Josef Albers significantly contribute to the narrative of the story. As both educators and designers at Bauhaus, they bring to life their experiences and discuss the ideologies and identifying features of the school. Their firsthand experiences prove invaluable as they offer a clear insight into how Bauhaus became the birthplace of modernism. Meanwhile, Torsten Blume delivers an articulate examination of the design philosophy behind Bauhaus that defined the 20th century.

The film acknowledges how Bauhaus revolutionized architectural and aesthetic concepts and practices. It traces the radical conceptual thoughts that originated from the school to our present day, highlighting the influence of the institution in shaping our habitats and viewing the social roles of design and architecture. It convincingly demonstrates that the principles and visions of the Bauhaus are still with us today, illustrating what remains of Bauhaus' principles in design, architecture, art, and society.

The film is also successful in expressing the impact of political pressure on the institution. From World War I’s aftermath to the Weimar Republic's flourishing, and then the subsequent despotism of the Nazis, the school's influential life was deeply interwoven with changing political landscapes. It narrates how Bauhaus battled with continuous changes in leadership, moving from Weimar to Dessau, and eventually closing down under the Nazi regime's oppressive influence.

Bauhaus Spirit creates a contemplative journey that is as much about space, color, and design as it is about politics and society. Fascinating for anyone interested in design, architecture, or art history, it offers a comprehensive take on varied aspects, from the influence of the Bauhaus School on modern life to the politics that led to its closure. As the film pays tribute to Bauhaus on its 100th anniversary, it evolves into a compelling portrait of an incomparable, influential movement that transformed everything it touched and continues to live within numerous aspects of contemporary life.

The film is not only a documentary on Bauhaus as a school but a visual spectacle that demonstrates the spirit of Bauhaus, its ideologies and philosophies that marked its singularity, and its ongoing relevance. Guided by the unique perspectives of Annie Albers, Josef Albers, and Torsten Blume, the audience journey into the heart of a movement that dared to imagine and create a world where design and architecture served as a bridge between art and industry, theory and practice, the fine and applied arts.

In conclusion, Bauhaus Spirit is a visually compelling, insightful, and thought-provoking film that chronicles the extraordinary history and influence of one of the most revolutionary chapters from the art and design world. For anyone interested in dissecting the very DNA of modern design principles, it is a must-watch.