Danish architect, Jørn Utzon, was awarded the first prize in a competition to design an Opera House for Sydney in 1957, he flew to Australia to begin work on the construction of the greatest building Australia has ever seen and, indeed, one of the finest achievements of modern architecture. Utzon was forced from the project in 1966 and never returned to Australia. What defeated him in the end was politics. His triumph came with the 2007 World Heritage Listing of the building “as a work of human creative genius” and one of the 20th century’s greatest buildings. This film charts the dramatic course of the creation of a masterpiece and includes a rare interview with Jørn Utzon as he reflects on his role in the compelling story of the conception and construction of the Sydney Opera House.
“I LIKE TO BE ON THE EDGE OF THE POSSIBLE” JØRN UTZON
“This rare insight into the mind of the man who gave us our most famous building was made possible by the determination of two Australian filmmakers who run an independent outfit called Film Art Doco…The resulting film is a fascinating examination of the design of the Opera House as well as the politics of the time.”
Critical Response
“This excellent documentary…illuminating stuff”
The Australian
“The Edge of the Possible is something you should try not to miss…This film by Daryl Dellora and Sue Maslin provides many fine images of Bennelong Point. The coup is the long interview with Utzon…Of chief interest here are the detailed models of (Utzon’s never realised) interiors…They have not been seen on television before and are breathtaking.”
The Sydney Morning Herald
