Paolo Soleri: Beyond Form is a compelling and thought-provoking documentary released in 2013, which throws light on the intellectually complex persona of the internationally renowned architect, Paolo Soleri. It features comprehensive interviews, illuminating observations, and thorough review of Soleri's profound life journey and imaginative body of work. The film has an excellent cast, with Paolo Soleri himself elucidating his thoughts and philosophies, Peter Coyote who is an accomplished actor and director bringing in narrative breath, and Tim Brinduse, offering an insightful commentary as an architect.

The movie is an intricate portrayal of the amalgamation of architecture, ecology, and philosophy – a concept developed by Soleri himself known as "Arcology". Through the exploration of his dazzlingly eccentric lifelong project, Arcosanti – an experimental city in the Arizona desert, the film sincerely examines how architecture can inspire and be inspired by societal development, sustainability, and the redesigning of urban habitats. It simultaneously delves into the life of Soleri, a figure known for revolutionary designs and his utopian ideals.

In a bid to place Soleri's work in a more comprehensive context, the film intersperses interviews with the main subject with commentaries from some of the leading voices in architecture and ecology. This diversified narration breathes life into Soleri’s works, unveiling his unique architectural pursuits and potent impact on contemporary architectural discourse. The compelling narration by Peter Coyote eloquently encapsulates the maze of Soleri's thoughts and his grand vision of architecture and urban planning. His insightful commentary provides a philosophical nuance to Soleri’s vision, drawing the audience deeper into Soleri’s world.

The cinematography of the film deserves special mention as it beautifully captures the aesthetics of Soleri’s designs and innovative architectures. The magnificent aerial views of Arcosanti, set against the stark desert landscape are visually captivating and underlines Soleri's eccentric vision, providing an intellectual stimulation to the viewers.

Furthermore, the film investigates the challenges and criticisms Soleri faced mostly due to his experimental approaches and unconventional concepts. It takes a critical perspective on the rigorous work ethic and strict demands Soleri imposed on his apprentices and followers. While probing his eccentricity and the controversies surrounding his methods and etiquette, the film does not fail to underscore Soleri's incredible impact on the world of architecture and urban planning.

Paolo Soleri: Beyond Form also offers a closer look at the individual behind these breathtaking architectural feats—Paolo Soleri, the man. It chronicles his early life, from his birth in Turin, Italy, to his emigration to the United States where he apprenticed under the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright. This segment helps viewers appreciate the unique mindset and the formative influences that shaped Soleri’s revolutionary perspectives towards architecture, ecology, and society.

The film, therefore, serves as not only a tribute to the staggering genius of an under-appreciated architect but also as a profound exploration of his ideologies that dared to dream beyond the conventional, initiating a discourse on sustainable living and development. Adding to this is the brilliant contribution of Tim Brinduse, whose knowledgeable insights lend further depth and understanding to Soleri's groundbreaking vision. The inclusion of original sketches, models, and designs imbue the documentary with an air of authenticity that engages the viewers, taking them on this immersive visual journey.

With its wide-ranging comments from friends, colleagues, and critics, powerful narration, stunning visuals, and honest interviews with Paolo Soleri himself, director Aimee Madsen creates a remarkable cinematic tribute to an exceptional architectural innovator whose ideas were way ahead of his time. This compelling film traffics at the intersection of biography and intellectual history, illuminating a path for the future of sustainable urban living and inspiring the viewer to reconsider their perception of architecture and its role in society.

In conclusion, Paolo Soleri: Beyond Form is an intellectually stimulating and visually engaging documentary film that traverses the contours of a legendary architect's innovative vision and the deep philosophies that underpin it. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the role architecture plays in shaping society and the environment, and the potential of sustainable urban living in the future.