Documentary Review: Architectdon

Normally on the plane I opt to listen to music or read and then every now and then it occurs to me that I could zone out into a movie and that will help the hours pass. The problem is that I am not a fan of most modern movies, so I usually opt for a documentary. Even though documentaries can sometimes be propagandized it is still possible to notice and analyze this aspect of it.

Without reading too much into the description of the film, I set out to watch it to gain more insight into stone masonry. Like many people on the internet I have been more recently pondering how these magnificent structures of the past where not only so intricately designed but seem to surpass the technology we have today. Much to my surprise, Viktor Kossakovsky a Russian filmmaker set out to answer the same questions that boggle curious minds: Why was it possible thousands of years ago to make long-lasting buildings yet the ones we have last 40/50 years? There is constant talk on the internet of possible theories to explain the seeming regression in architectural technology. In short, it’s only gotten worse. Instead of lavish, meticulously carved stone buildings that have survived thousands of years we have lackluster steel an glass “boxes.”

We visit the Temple of Jupiter in Lebanon which is one of the greatest archaeological mysteries today. Not only were these megastones cut with extreme precision, but they weighted many more tonnes than Roman cranes were able to lift. The keeper of the grounds who has worked amongst them for 30 years said: “laser,” the architect laughed. I did not laugh. That is the prevailing theory online as well. So it is becoming clear we were told a version of history that is in no way guaranteed to be attached to the truth.

Who would hide this history and what does it serve? The movie “Wristcutters: A Love Story” posits the notion of “The People in Charge,” which while simple is an adequate name holder for those who pull the strings: those who design school curriculum and school books, politicians who push certain historical narratives, authors who push particular narratives, television executives, journalism organizations. It may be hard to believe that all of these people are in cahoots to control the general population but why? The advantage of control makes it worth it to orchestrate these narratives. Once you understand that books can control billions of people you will understand why they burnt down so many and have a gridlock control on what is published.