At the outset a biographical documentary, the film Mau also is an inspirational tale of a man with infectious energy and drive. While you learn a lot about Bruce Mau’s rise as a designer, you also learn a lot about life and perseverance.
The film details Mau’s upbringing in Sudbury, Ontario. It takes time to account for Mau’s father’s violent alcoholism as well as his dreary life as a nickel miner. This is done with a purpose: Mau’s worldview is overwhelmingly positive, possibly in spite of his dark, negative upbringing. His attitude is infectious, and you can’t help but be entranced by his uplifting spirit as you learn about his journey.
The film, by first-time directors/brothers Benji and Jono Bergmann, details Mau’s ascent and his overall concept of “geo-design” (design linked to political/social problems) with great flair. Mau’s work with Coca-Cola and his influential tome S, M, L, XL with architect Rem Koolhaas is given special attention. The documentary highlights Mau’s achievements as a designer, but, more importantly, his influential status.
Mau’s candor seeps through the film, as he is positive (almost to a relentless degree). One special moment of the film occurs when Mau returns to his native Sudbury, where he hadn’t been for decades, to confront his past. This gives the documentary a palpable poignancy, as you realize the conditions that, essentially, made Mau the man he is today. Esteemed colleagues like his co-author Koolhaas, Canadian artist James Lahey, and Frank Gehry also offer their insight on Mau’s eminence. You don’t have to be a fan of the design or art world to appreciate this film, but it certainly doesn’t hurt.
The film would work for students studying 20th-century art or those with a passion for graphic art and design. A library course on influential and popular designers would also make sense for this film.
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