The Towers (1957)

★★★★★ · The Towers · nostalgiguy · 2005-10-03

This is an excellent film to watch. I had no idea there was such a thing as the "Watts Towers." If all the facts are true in this film, then it is really quite amazing. But that aside, this film is just a pleasure to view for the sake of the colourful visuals and the "annoying" soundtrack, which I feel adds to the overall surreal effect. Do a search on the Watts Towers. Interesting, indeed.

★★★★★ · I thought Watts was common knowledge... · Max Grody · 2006-04-15

Never got to see them because, like any LA resident, you tend to think you'll see it all...and never see any of it. A great mini-mentary about the towers. Funny how every thinks the 50's were a time of cultural stagnation in America, when they were actually very lively. Sure he started this in the 20's, but it was finished and celebrated in the 50's. Cool part of Americana.

★★★★★ · Well · Johamar · 2005-09-09

I saw a picture of these towers first some years ago in a book on outsider art as it is called by some. I enjoyed this documentary and especially seeing this extraordinary man in this kind of town enviroment, Simon Roda, at work and him talking about his sleepless nights he had in struggling with his "own idea". This is no "typical folk art junk" as someone here below tries to make it. Comparing Simon Roda instead to the spanish architect Antoni Goudi and inserting that discussion in a book on "insider art" would be much more enlightening.

★★★★ · Does not star anyone named Frodo · Spuzz · 2005-08-05

Despite Ken Smith's hilarious review of this film, I actually enjoyed, well, except for the annoying soundtrack, this film about something which I never knew existed, and which is still up. Very intersting to find out about how these were built, clay and mud, and everything else! and the determination of it's creator to get it done. I guess after that he moved away and never saw his project again. Strange.

★★★★ · A man at work · ModernismNow · 2009-03-12

Loved this film. The peculiar soundtrack takes us in to this monumental example of raw, unfettered creativity (for-creativity's-sake.) It's inspiring to see a man whose need it is to create a single structure with his bare hands for no other reason than to have something to work on and make his mark. Educational and entertaining.

★★★ · The story of the Watts Towers · Synthetrix · 2003-05-31

A fascinating look at the Watts Towers and their builder Sam Rodilla. Anyone who has seen the towers and wondered about their story will enjoy this film.