Ep 135. Bruce Ratner, Real Estate Developer; Van Gogh up Close

On season 20 episode 135 of Charlie Rose, viewers get an in-depth look at the life and career of Bruce Ratner, a renowned real estate developer. Ratner has built a reputation for creating massive developments that transform neighborhoods and cities throughout New York state. Through interviews with Ratner and others close to him, viewers are able to gain a deeper understanding of his vision, motivations, and successes.

The show's second half focuses on an entirely different subject, featuring a segment titled "Van Gogh up Close." This segment investigates the paintings of the iconic Dutch post-Impressionist artist, Vincent Van Gogh. Hosts Charlie Rose and Morley Safer take viewers on a journey through Van Gogh's life and art, exploring the techniques, colors, and themes that made his work so unique and groundbreaking.

For fans of urban planning and real estate development, the first half of this episode is especially compelling. Bruce Ratner is an industry icon, known for his innovative approach to development and his ability to bring large-scale projects to life. In this episode, he discusses some of his most monumental projects, including the Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn, the Times Union Center in Albany, and the Barclays Center in New York City.

Ratner also touches on some of the challenges he's faced throughout his career, such as the economic downturn and public opposition to his Atlantic Yards development in Brooklyn. Viewers get a sense of Ratner's resilience and determination as he reflects on his career highs and lows.

The second half of the episode is just as captivating, offering an artistic counterpoint to the first segment's business-focused content. Narrated by Morley Safer, "Van Gogh up Close" explores the nuances of Van Gogh's artistic style and the personal struggles that influenced his work. The segment features interviews with experts, including curators from the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.

Together, these two segments offer a well-rounded look at art, business, and innovation. While they may seem like disparate subjects, they come together in a way that showcases the beauty and complexity of human creativity. Viewers will leave this episode with a deeper appreciation for the power of human vision, whether it's applied to urban planning or post-Impressionist painting.