Belly of an Architect

First, referring back to our first few reading assignments (Plato, Vasari, Nietzsche, "Schematic Structure"), what are some ways in which "Belly of an Architect" constructs a narrative about artists and artistic creation?

Next, elaborate on how the film connects gender with creativity. You had some really great insights on that subject in class.

“Belly of an Architect” was a complex film, chronicling the downfall of the artist Kracklite during his stay in Rome. In terms of the schematic structure, the film hardly follows this outline. Skipping the artist’s birth and childhood, the film dives into Kracklite’s adulthood, as he travels to Rome to direct an exhibition on the artist Boulee, something that should be his greatest triumph. However, the exhibition becomes his downfall, with the film focusing on his life deteriorating rather than his work. In fact, Kracklite’s accomplishments as an artist are hardly even mentioned; although Kracklite firmly labels himself “architect”, we never see an example of his work. Even his direction of the exhibition falls by the wayside while Kracklite obsesses over his own ailments. His death is chronicled in the film, but no mention of his burial or legacy is made.
In an odd way, Kracklite somewhat emulates Plato’s thoughts about artists. Plato argued that artist’s were imitators, only trying to emulate what they see, rather than striving for true creation. Kracklite himself never creates new material himself; rather he obsesses over the works of others. Firstly, he highly admires Boulee’s work, we see him leaf though countless sketches of the artist’s work and write letters to the deceased artist. Next, Kracklite’s greatest compulsion becomes his stomach; we constantly see his own stomach, and watch while he photocopies famous torsos in art. He strives to emulate their perfection, and be free of his own imerfections. In this way, the film follows the popular theme of the “tortured artist”, reinforcing the belief that great creativity and talent come with some sort of tragic flaw.
In terms of relating gender to creativity, the film directs its focus on males. Most of the architects or artists in the film are male. The sole exception is Caspasian’s sister, who is a photographer. Male forms also garner a great amount of attention in the film because of Kracklite’s strange obsession with bellies. Males are without doubt the most powerful figures in the film, female characters only serve as thorns in their sides, present to create drama rather than play any role in the creative process.