Ben Building: Mussolini, Monuments and Modernism (2016)

Ben Building: Mussolini, Monuments and Modernism (2016) poster

Having previously investigated the architecture of Hitler and Stalin's regimes, Jonathan Meades turns his attention to another notorious 20th-century European dictator, Mussolini. His travels take him to Rome, Milan, Genoa, the new town of Sabaudia and the vast military memorials of Redipuglia and Monte Grappa. When it comes to the buildings of the fascist era, Meades discovers a dictator who couldn't dictate, with Mussolini caught between the contending forces of modernism and a revivalism that harked back to ancient Rome. The result was a variety of styles that still influence architecture today. Along the way, Meades ponders on the nature of fascism, the influence of the Futurists, and Mussolini's love of a fancy uniform.

Director: Francis Hanly
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 86 min
Release Date:

Cast

Screenplay

Production: BBC
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
Original Language: en

Keywords

fascism, benito mussolini, architecture

More Films by Director: Francis Hanly
More Films in Genre: Documentary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ben Building: Mussolini, Monuments and Modernism about?
Having previously investigated the architecture of Hitler and Stalin's regimes, Jonathan Meades turns his attention to another notorious 20th-century European dictator, Mussolini. His travels take him to Rome, Milan, Genoa, the new town of Sabaudia and the vast military memorials of Redipuglia and Monte Grappa. When it comes to the buildings of the fascist era, Meades discovers a dictator who couldn't dictate, with Mussolini caught between the contending forces of modernism and a revivalism that harked back to ancient Rome. The result was a variety of styles that still influence architecture today. Along the way, Meades ponders on the nature of fascism, the influence of the Futurists, and Mussolini's love of a fancy uniform.
Who directed Ben Building: Mussolini, Monuments and Modernism?
Ben Building: Mussolini, Monuments and Modernism was directed by Francis Hanly.
Who stars in Ben Building: Mussolini, Monuments and Modernism?
Ben Building: Mussolini, Monuments and Modernism stars Jonathan Meades.
How long is Ben Building: Mussolini, Monuments and Modernism?
Ben Building: Mussolini, Monuments and Modernism has a runtime of 1h 26m (86 minutes).
What genre is Ben Building: Mussolini, Monuments and Modernism?
Ben Building: Mussolini, Monuments and Modernism is a Documentary film.
Where was Ben Building: Mussolini, Monuments and Modernism produced?
Ben Building: Mussolini, Monuments and Modernism was produced in United Kingdom.