[Reading Response: Sue Harris]

Architecture can symbolise power and status, this is magnified in films, especially in sci-fis where there are clear split in power and character. One of the obvious choice is Washington, where the Capitol Hill and White House is located. Being one of the most important place in the world, they represent and symbolise the dominant political power the government insert into the people and even the whole world. On the other hand, Moscow is often presented as the villain or the spies in Western blockbusters for example in James Bond. Different styles of architecture also present different impressions to the audience. Another obvious choice is the Brutalist architecture, concrete buildings. As the name suggests already , they presents a dystopian setting and usually linked to dictators and villains.  This can be seen in films like The Blade Runner and Star Wars.

Chan Wilson

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1 thought on “[Reading Response: Sue Harris]

  1. Noella Kwok says:

    The general statement is valid, however rather vague; Harris did discuss this further in her text. In All the President’s Men although Washington is the site of action, the office interior of the Washington post was highlighted instead of the Capitol Hill and White House. The focus was on the action and storyline itself instead of the set. However, in the Bourne Trilogy and even the James Bond series, the location is of increasing importance along the series where it plays an integral role in the movie. There is more of a historical significance to Russians (not Moscow) portraying villains, namely due to the Cold War as Harris also mentioned. As for Brutalist architecture, the name doesn’t suggest any cruelty or brutality but refers to the materiality – the name originates from the French word “Béton brut” which translates to “raw concrete”. The construction of dystopias through Brutalist architecture is another lengthy discussion which cannot be reduced simply because of its name.

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