Die Architekten

The mountains of construction sand are climbed by a group of young architects, including Daniel Brenner, (Kurt Naumann), who later explores the lunar landscape with his wife (Rita Feldmeier) and daughter by bike. The scenario conjures up a possible vision of humane construction (including both a restaurant and cinema) in pars pro toto fashion, while the socialist pre-fab landscape of Marzahn looms in the background. As one of the final DEFA productions, DIE ARCHITEKTEN functions as a farewell song to East Germany by way of the endeavors of a young architecture collective who receive a commission to develop and implement an innovative construction project in these newly planned estates. Their lofty plans are met with mistrust, ideological dogma and economic restrictions, while Brenner’s marriage begins to crumble at the same time. The final months of the GRD are reflected in the footage of faceless high rise estates, as well as the images of the Wall and the border crossing points from the East German perspective. (mg)