Mr. Lapidus

TYPE: Documentary Feature
GENRE: Documentary
STATUS: Production

LOGLINE

Mr. Lapidus tells the story of a Morris Lapidus “The Architect of Joy”, who’s innovative designs were influencing the architecture industry around the world until this day.

SYNOPSIS

‘LAPIDUS: Architect of Joy’ opens a window to the world of renowned architect Morris Lapidus, sharing a heartfelt story through his craft, passion, family, and philosophy. The film sheds light on Lapidus’ Jewish heritage, his journey as an immigrant overcoming obstacles in a foreign country, and his rise to become the best in his field, featuring materials such as video and audio recordings, letters, sketches, and poetry that are being seen for the first time.

Lapidus watched and studied people, developing his own theories about what drives them to buy. He became a sensation for designing both architecture and interiors of joy—spaces where guests feel like movie stars, customers enjoy shopping, and tenants love living and working. When asked about the secret to creating environments that attracted so many visitors, Lapidus said, “I don’t work for my client; I work for my client’s client.”

Throughout his career, Lapidus designed over 1,200 buildings and commercial spaces, including 250 hotels worldwide. One of these is the most famous hotel in Florida—the Fontainebleau in Miami Beach. Lapidus was one of the founders of MiMo (Miami Modern) style, and his work is studied in many schools around the world. His post-World War II designs are unique, featuring his signature elements like ‘Cheese Holes,’ ‘Woggles,’ and ‘Bean Poles,’ which were incorporated into each of his creations. Lapidus’ work has inspired many famous architects and designers. His innovations in the use of lighting, fabric, and color have become staples of American design, and his influence is evident in the design of one of the biggest and most-visited American tourist attractions—modern-day Las Vegas.

But despite his success, the American architectural establishment regarded him as an outsider, labeling his work as 'gaudy kitsch,' vulgar, cheap, and incompetent. Throughout his professional life, Lapidus was caught in a vicious cycle of trying to prove himself in order to receive proper recognition from his own industry. In 2000, Lapidus was finally recognized on a national level for the first time. Alongside Frank Gehry, he received the American Original Award from the Smithsonian Institution.

But by then, it was too late for him... One month later, Morris Lapidus passed away at the age of 98.

The film tells the emotional story of Lapidus’s journey from childhood to his death, including his professional, family, and love stories—and his living vision, a vision that is still being realized today in Miami Beach. The film also explores Lapidus’s creations from his early days to his international success.

ARTISTIC STATEMENT

The creative direction of Lapidus: The Architect of Joy is designed to immerse the viewer in the emotional and artistic essence of Morris Lapidus' life and work. To convey a deeper understanding of his story, the film will recreate key moments using actors, bringing pivotal events from Lapidus' life to vivid life. The film will mirror Lapidus’ emotions by animating his original drawings and sketches. These animations will transform static lines into dynamic visual narratives, allowing the viewer to experience Lapidus' feelings—joy, anger, fear, and heartbreak—through an expressive, artistic lens. By combining reenacted scenes with these evocative animations, the audience will embark on a deeply personal journey with Lapidus, sharing in his triumphs and tribulations while uncovering the emotional depths that fueled his visionary designs.

KEY CREW

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