My Father, the Genius (2002)

Director:

Lucia Small

Writer:

Lucia Small (written by)

Genre:

Documentary

Awards:

5 wins

Cast

John Johansen	...	Himself
David Mesa	...	Himself
Ralph Mursinna	...	Himself
Michael Rendler	...	Himself
Joanne Small-Eggert	...	Herself
Glen Howard Small	...	Himself
Julie Small	...	Herself
Christine Small-Shook	...	Herself

Runtime:

84 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Soundtrack:

Adiago from Sonata No. 3 in E Major, op. 2

A documentary that expands on its original thesis

From its inception, this documentary was bred from ego. The only reason it was made was because the director's (Lucia Small) father, architect Glen Small requested a biography be written so he will have a documented legacy. When Small requested that she make a documentary instead, he agreed. This agreement paved the way for a work that not only showcases the architect's work, but explores his failed relationships with his families as well. Smalls' two sisters are interviewed, as are the subject's two ex wives and former girlfriend. One thing I would like to have seen was an inclusion of the children from his second marriage, to see if the same issues were prevalent.

There is no denying that Glen Small is a talented architect. He has an intriguing vision and a bold style. We find that while he considers himself a genius and is shocked that his art has not been showcased, (although we see several interviews and magazine/newspaper articles written about him) we are not so much told, but shown in these interviews how egotistical and combative he can be for the sake of his art.

While Glen Small is not in the upper echelon of architects, his work was extremely interesting to view and even more exciting when he is discussing it. His attitude and admitted shortcomings aside, his daughter presents his work and life in a skilled manner and created her own work of art along the way.

--Shelly