Bauhaus

Bauhaus is a riveting drama series produced in 2019, available on Amazon Addon. The show is an excellent blend of complex historical events, rich cultural references, and intricately woven personal stories. This series plunges viewers into the early 20th century, exploring the rise of a radical and influential school of philosophy and art – Bauhaus.

Set against the backdrop of the Weimar Republic in Germany, between 1919 and 1933, the drama unravels the story of the early roots of the Bauhaus. An art movement founded by Walter Gropius, Bauhaus sought to change the very perception of the role of art and design in society. As the plot unfolds, we witness how this radical movement sought to unify art, craft, and technology, breaking away from traditional hierarchies of the art world.

The series begins with the arrival of young Dörte Helm in Weimar. An aspiring artist seeking a new beginning after the horrors of the First World War and away from her conservative parents’ control, Helm becomes one of the first women at the Bauhaus. Here, she encounters the formidable founder Walter Gropius. The series beautifully explores their relationship as Gropius guides Helm through the emerging principles of the movement, and their mutual influence over each other’s lives and work.

The setting and atmosphere of the series create an authentic representation of the historical period. Bauhaus accurately depicts the struggle for a new cultural identity amid political unrest, traditional values, and the explosive growth of modernism. Bauhaus artists sought to redefine art and its role in society in a time of transition, and these conflicts form the basis for much of the series’ drama.

Beyond the personal stories and historical context, Bauhaus equally offers a fascinating look into the artistic philosophies of the time. The series delves into the details of what made this school of thought so revolutionary — the idea of 'form follows function' and the unity of art, design, and industry. Through Helm's eyes, the viewers get a thorough exploration of the profound impact of Bauhaus on architecture, painting, sculpture, design, and education.

What sets Bauhaus apart is its commitment to authenticity — both in its portrayals of history and art. Characters such as Walter Gropius, Wassily Kandinsky, and Paul Klee, real-life figures integral to the Bauhaus school, are brought to life with compelling performances, making the drama as much of a biographical narrative as a historical one.

The series maintains a steady undertone of tension, intertwining the artistic struggle with the socio-political upheavals of the time. As the historical events in the Weimar Republic unfold, a vivid picture of this turbulent era is displayed alongside the innovative ideas and creativity that stemmed from the Bauhaus School.

Despite being based on historical events, Bauhaus never feels too dense for viewers who aren’t art historians. The tight, emotional storytelling keeps the series grounded, ensuring a captivating viewing experience for all. The show does more than just document the formation and significance of the Bauhaus movement. It offers an honest, hard look at the period’s struggles with sexism, political unrest, and the traditionalists’ opposition to innovative thought.

Bauhaus’s visual style is equally commendable. Cinematography is impressively crafted, often resembling works of art themselves. Filmmakers have been able to mirror the aesthetics of the Bauhaus movement, with its bold colors, shapes and leanings towards abstraction. This visual theme runs consistently throughout, helping tell the story of the influential art movement.

In conclusion, Bauhaus is a captivating drama series that seamlessly combines historical narratives, personal stories, and intricate reflections of artistic philosophies. Whether or not you are familiar with the Bauhaus movement, this series is a must-watch for its engaging portrayal of a tumultuous era and understanding of its lasting impact on modern art and design. The viewer is left with an appreciation for the spirit of innovation, resilience, and the power of art to break barriers and change society.