Discover the History of the Skyscraper at Metrograph Independent Cinema in NYC

Image via “Tall: The American Skyscraper and Louis Sullivan”

New York City’s skyline is constantly evolving. Today, looming building seem to arise overnight, making it difficult to imagine what the city could have looked like before it was dominated by impressive feats of architecture. Now, the Metrograph, New York City’s independent cinema on Ludlow, is delving into the history of skyscrapers with the first-ever New York theatrical run of Manfred Kirchheimer’s 2006 documentary Tall: The American Skyscraper and Louis Sullivan.

The film, which begins at the turn of the last century, tells the story of visionary architect, Louis Sullivan (mentor of Frank Lloyd Wright) and his contemporaries, including his nearest rival, Daniel Burnham, who designed the Flatiron Building. Through archival photos and narration (by Dylan Baker), viewers are taken on a journey through the early development and design of skyscrapers, which ultimately changed the way we live in cities.
The Metrograph will be presenting this “rapturous portrait” of 20th century architects in 2K remaster. In describing the film, American film critic Richard Brody of The New Yorker writes: “Probing, thrilling, deeply researched… a grand, passionate embrace of the architecture of modern American cities, as well as a celebration of the genius that they embody.”
Tall: The American Skyscraper and Louis Sullivan will run on from January 19 to 25. Metrograph is located on 7 Ludlow St. between Hester and Canal Streets. Learn more here.
Next, go Inside Metrograph, NYC’s Independent Cinema on Ludlow.