Parabeton - Pier Luigi Nervi and Roman Concrete

Parabeton - Pier Luigi Nervi and Roman Concrete is a 2012 documentary film that intricately interweaves the evolution of concrete as a building material throughout history, as well as the life and work of the renowned Italian engineer and architect Pier Luigi Nervi. Directed by Heinz Emigholz, this German movie meticulously scrutinizes the use of concrete in significant architectural projects in the Roman Empire and compares them with Nervi's revolutionary utilization of the material in the 20th century.

The film begins by setting the stage in ancient Rome, introducing the camera to structures like the Pantheon, the Basilica of Maxentius, and other iconic edifices. Emigholz beautifully portrays the balance of strength and simplicity that made Roman engineering renowned throughout history. The documentary then gradually shifts focus to Nervi's influential works, such as Palazzo dello Sport, Unesco’s headquarters in Paris, the Australian embassy in Paris, and St. Mary Cathedral in San Francisco, among others.

As the title suggests, the movie is a delightful double entendre - while it portrays the revolutionary work of Pier Luigi Nervi, it also explores how Roman concrete, widely known as ‘opus caementicium’, has had a significant effect on the architectural world. The film delves into how this ancient building material resurfaced in the 20th century to be once again used innovatively and extensively.

The director brilliantly employs visuals to narrate a dialogue-less story. Breaking free from the traditions of typical documentary-making, there's no voiceover describing events, no interviews, no character dialogues – nothing but a montage of images and subtle sounds that let the viewers connect with the storyline. This unusual approach forces the audience to observe closely, fostering a sense of deep appreciation for the art and science involved in creating such monumental structures.

The sequences of the film shift back and forth in time, offering regular juxtapositions of Nervi's concrete designs and those of the Roman era. This juxtaposition creates an interesting parallel showing the endurance and potential of a single material when utilized creatively by skilled architects and engineers.

The film has a profound aesthetic appeal. Emigholz truly understands architecture and, more importantly, how to film it. Each frame feels carefully composed, with special attention to light and angle. The silhouettes and curves of structures come to life through crystal-clear shots, and the sheer beauty of repetition and pattern in the structures evokes a sense of awe. Afrobeat musician Tony Allen's compositions for the movie act as a perfect accompaniment, enhancing the rhythm scaffolded by the visual storytelling.

Parabeton is not just an exploration of the blend of the old and the new, but a homage to Nervi's genius. It establishes the close connection between Nervi’s designs and those of the ancients, giving credit where it's due, to the Romans, for their ground-breaking invention of concrete. At the same time, it showcases how Nervi, with his astute understanding of form and function, successfully reignited the use of concrete in the modern world.

Unfortunately, the film can arguably be inaccessible for the casual viewer due to its highly specialist topic and lack of traditional narrative guidance. But for architects, engineers, art enthusiasts, and broadly anyone with a deep interest in construction materials and their use in iconic structures, this unique cinematic journey is indeed rewarding.

In conclusion, Parabeton - Pier Luigi Nervi and Roman Concrete is a visually gripping documentary, immensely immersive in its narrative technique. It serves as an extensive exploration of one of the most influential materials in building history - concrete - and its handler, the indomitable Pier Luigi Nervi.