This stylish documentary explores the work of the photographer whose images of mid-century west coast architecture captured an aspirational moment. 

This absorbing documentary from 2008 focuses on Julius Shulman (1910-2009), a photographer best known for his stylish, dynamic studies of mid-century modern Californian architecture by the likes of Richard Neutra, John Lautner and Pierre Koenig. Although Shulman himself is less well-known outside the photography and architecture scenes than those architects, his frequently reproduced images of their structures helped to create the iconic status of those buildings. His best-known work, a portrait-shaped shot of a glass box house lit from within by spherical lights and overlooking the glowing grid of Los Angeles in the valley far below, Case Study House #22, Los Angeles, 1960; Pierre Koenig, Architect, has been seen so many times before and imitated in so many other photos and films that it’s a fascinating revelation to hear its origin story...[+]