This is an engaging profile of Frank Gehry, one of the world’s most avant-garde contemporary architects. Directed by Sydney Pollack, Gehry’s close friend, the film highlights some of the architect’s best projects such as the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.

Shot mainly using a handheld camera, this documentary gives visual insight into Gehry’s design process. Footage of Gehry agonising over his building models is fascinating. But what really sets it apart from other profiles is unmistakeable close rapport between Pollack and Gehry. The informal and sometimes humorous manner in which the film unfolds, complements Gehry’s experimental design approach. He possesses an exuberant style more often associated with sculpting and painting. Pollack also interviews Gehry’s clients and contemporaries including architect/writer Charles Jencks and singer Bob Geldof.

While the documentary details Gehry’s works from the house in Santa Monica, California through to the Vitra Design Museum in Germany, there is a repeated focus on the glistening, titanium clad Guggenheim Museum. It tends to overshadow Gehry’s other works.

Opinion on Gehry’s designs has always been divided. There are interviews with prominent critics who fail to see why Gehry’s work is hailed as an ‘architectural phenomenon’. This adds another dimension to the film and prevents it from falling into the trap of being a publicity campaign for the architect. Gehry then talks about his reactions to negative comments on his buildings.

Sketches of Frank Gehry will appeal to those interested in design and architecture. Yet everyone can appreciate the beautiful visual presentation of Gehry’s buildings and the intriguing insights into this architect’s creative process.