Ambitious epic is less about architecture than it is about how trauma informs our art, our relationships and the paths we take in life. For the most part it is a monumental achievement, with overwhelming cinematography (in actual VistaVision!) and production design; the musical score and sound harken back to 1970s auteur Hollywood filmmaking, yet are daringly avant-garde; every performance is hypnotically intense and unforgettable. But somehow Corbet loses his footing after the intermission - it remains fascinating but less focused than the first half, even melodramatic. At times the film seems to be making sure you know how important it is, though maybe that's OK since that quality is an accurate reflection of Brody's obsessive character. While the flaws prevent it from being a full-on masterpiece, it is nevertheless incredible filmmaking with rigorous intelligence and a powerful emotional core. If you can, see it on 70mm (as I did).

By Tom Alexander