The film's core themes are Individualism vs. Collectivism, and the importance of intellectual and artistic integrity.  Screen written by Ayn Rand, it promotes her central tenet of Egoism as a virtue: The Fountainhead asserts that rational, enlightened self-interest is the "fountainhead of human progress". The characters who find happiness and fulfilment are those who pursue their own desires, not those who sacrifice themselves for others. 

Rand uses architecture as a metaphor for her philosophical ideas. Modernist skyscrapers represent human creation and the triumph of the individual mind over nature, while traditional styles represent the mediocrity of copying the past.

This season of films from the Liverpool Architectural Society looks at the perception of the architect and their role in society, and how realistically the film industry portrays the work and character of an architect. This series will explore two interlinked epic films about the male ego architect.  The Brutalist and The Fountainhead are both set in mid-20th century  America and explore at the impact of commercial and aesthetic architecture  on the American dream and the individual ego within that society.  E1027 -The House by the Sea is set in the French Riviera in the late 1920’s and focusses on the private design of the female architect, whose house obsessed Le Corbusier, so much so that he led many to falsely attribute the entire project to him. This docudrama is based explicitly on the writings of Gray and Le Corbusier.

The Brutalist (2024), The Fountainhead (1949), and E.1027 -The House by the Sea (2024) all portray the effect the architect can have on the world we build and live in and shows how the potential of design can shape the quality of lives on the individual, and societal imagination. Each film emphasises how various forms of architectural and technological innovation are changing the way we experience the world around us, ultimately influencing  how we survive, dream and enhance (or otherwise) our built environment.

This screening begins with a short introduction from the Liverpool Architectural Society, and is part of a series:

Tue 21 Oct, 18:15: The Brutalist

Tue 4 Nov, 18:15: The Fountainhead

Tue 18 Nov, 18:15: E.1027 Eileen Gray and the House by the Sea

The Liverpool Architectural Society is the Merseyside branch of the Royal Institute of British Architects. It is one of the oldest architectural societies in the world, founded in 1848 with many past presidents being former staff and students at the Liverpool School of Architecture. 

It welcomes participation from all people with an interest in their built environment and how their cities and towns are shaped by commerce, planners and architects and the local community.

This event is part of FACT’s Community Cinema. If you’re an artist, independent filmmaker, charity, film club, or arts organisation, find out how FACT can support your film screening.

Community Cinema events do not include adverts before the screening. Doors open 30 minutes before the screening and the programme will start promptly at the listed time. Please arrive in plenty of time to help our team ensure everyone has a great experience.