Desire

The Fountainhead is the iconic filmic representation of the modernist utopia, which brings together innovation, genius, capital – and architecture. The Ayn Rand story sets the tone for future representations of the American dream – inspired by and immediately overcoming European desire.

The figure of the visionary architect, whose creation is discussed yet misunderstood in this scene, becomes an embodiment of the contradictions of capitalism, which both feeds on genius and destroys it. Gropius could be one of its models.

Moreover, the discussion taking place among the high class guests is a typical example of the reception modernist architecture had in its early days. it stands in stark contrast to its becoming the standard in the contemporary landscape.