The Belly of an Architect (1987) Subtitles

Brian Dennehy, Chloe Webb, Lambert Wilson

The Belly of an Architect is a psychological drama film that follows the story of an American architect named Stourley Kracklite, who travels to Rome to organize an exhibition celebrating the work of the French architect Étienne-Louis Boullée. As Stourley arrives in Rome with his pregnant wife Louise, he becomes increasingly obsessed with the project and his own mortality. His physical and mental health begins to decline, and he becomes increasingly paranoid and delusional. As he struggles to complete the exhibition, Stourley becomes convinced that his Italian rival Caspasian Speckler is trying to sabotage his work. At the same time, his marriage with Louise becomes strained as she begins to have an affair with Caspasian. Stourley's obsession with Boullée and his deteriorating health culminate in a climactic breakdown during the exhibition opening, where he collapses and is rushed to the hospital. As Stourley confronts his own mortality, he finally comes to terms with his insecurities and the reality of his situation. The film explores themes of ambition, artistic obsession, the fragility of life, and the impact of environment on mental health, all set against the backdrop of the stunning architecture and history of Rome.