Levitated Mass: The Story of Michael Heizer's Monolithic Sculpture

Watch Levitated Mass: The Story of Michael Heizer's Monolithic Sculpture

  • 2014
  • 1 hr 28 min
  • 6.8  (181)
  • 82

"Levitated Mass: The Story of Michael Heizer's Monolithic Sculpture" is a documentary film from 2013, directed by Doug Pray, that takes us on a journey through the construction of one of the largest and most ambitious artistic projects of the 21st century. The film chronicles the creation of "Levitated Mass," a massive granite boulder that was transported more than 100 miles to Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) to become a stunning work of art.

The film explores the life and work of Michael Heizer, a legendary artist who has been shaping the land for decades. Heizer's idea was to create a sculpture that would transcend time and space, something that would evoke both the power of nature and the sheer human effort to control it. This led him to seek the perfect stone, which he found in a quarry in Riverside, California. The stone weighed over 340 tons and would prove to be a challenge to move.

The documentary begins with Heizer's vision for the sculpture and the obstacles he faced in bringing that vision to life. It delves into the logistical complexities of transporting a massive object across highways, under bridges, and through neighborhoods. It includes interviews with engineers, quarry workers, truckers, and other stakeholders who helped make the project a reality.

The documentary also highlights the cultural significance of the sculpture. It features interviews with art critics and museum curators who provide insights into the impact the piece will have on the art world. They discuss Heizer's larger body of work and why "Levitated Mass" is such an important addition to it.

Throughout the documentary, we witness the entire process from the initial excavation to the final placement of the sculpture. We see the challenges of maneuvering the massive stone through narrow streets and across bridges. We see the many hands it took to load and unload the boulder as it made its journey to LACMA. We see the complex engineering feats required to lower the stone into place atop a custom-built canal.

Along the way, the filmmakers introduce us to a cast of characters, including Mark Albrecht, the truck driver who transported the boulder from the quarry to LACMA; Rick Albrecht, Mark's brother, who worked on the project as a foreman; and Kathleen Anderson, a curator at LACMA who oversaw the installation of the sculpture. These individuals provide a human perspective on the project, illustrating the importance of teamwork and perseverance in making something truly remarkable.

Overall, "Levitated Mass" is a mesmerizing and inspiring documentary that captures the incredible scope, complexity, and genius of Heizer's work. Through stunning visuals, candid interviews, and an engaging narrative, it transports us to the heart of the artistic process and showcases the power of human ingenuity and creativity. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a fan of great documentaries, or simply someone who loves a good story, this film is not to be missed.

Levitated Mass: The Story of Michael Heizer's Monolithic Sculpture is a 2014 history movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 82.

Levitated Mass: The Story of Michael Heizer's Monolithic Sculpture
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Where to Watch Levitated Mass: The Story of Michael Heizer's Monolithic Sculpture
Levitated Mass: The Story of Michael Heizer's Monolithic Sculpture is available to watch free on Kanopy. It's also available to stream, download and buy on demand at Apple TV. Some platforms allow you to rent Levitated Mass: The Story of Michael Heizer's Monolithic Sculpture for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2014
  • Runtime
    1 hr 28 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.8  (181)
  • Metascore
    82
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