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The Architect

Play trailer Poster for The Architect R 2006 1h 21m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
11% Tomatometer 37 Reviews 27% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
Tonya Neeley (Viola Davis), a resident of one of her city's most crime-ridden housing projects, circulates a petition to get the complex torn down and replaced with better housing. The worlds of the poor and the privileged collide when she decides that the signature she needs most is that of the project's original designer, wealthy Leo Waters (Anthony LaPaglia).
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The Architect

The Architect

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Critics Consensus

A glum drama that's so self-affected it fails to affect.

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Critics Reviews

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John Monaghan Detroit Free Press Dec 15, 2006
2/4
Despite his obvious earnestness, first-time director and cowriter Matt Tauber is ill equipped to mine emotions this complex. Go to Full Review Michael Booth Denver Post Dec 15, 2006
2.5/4
Too many "big" moments are happening to too many people for the movie to feel plausible, and Tauber tries to tie many of those plots together in a way that seems contrived. Go to Full Review Michael Wilmington Chicago Tribune Dec 14, 2006
2.5/4
Given the fact that The Architect is obviously a work in the tradition of Arthur Miller and Tennessee Williams, not to mention Henrik Ibsen, it's disappointing. Go to Full Review David Lamble Bay Area Reporter May 19, 2020
The Architect quickly devolves from hip, idealistic ensemble piece to mostly soapy goulash for the politically correct. Go to Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews Jun 28, 2011
2/4
A well-intentioned misfire... Go to Full Review Michelle Orange Reeler Feb 9, 2007
It is frustrating to watch the film blow some respectable capital on indulgence in narrative frippery. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Horror fan 4 @Horrorfan4life Aug 25, 2026 This is an underrated drama about 2 Families from different parts of the city. Viola davis gives a gritty performance and Hayden Panetttiere is sweet and innocent but such a lovable character. This movie is based on a play and centers around apartments that are in terrible shape and being run by local gangs. Tim Treakle See more Eye C @ECinc Aug 4, 2025 I didn’t get it. What was the point? This is not too far from being a Hallmark movie See more Jul 6, 2010 This moving was gripping from beginning to end. See more Aug 15, 2009 It starts off in a dark place then wallows and ends there. This movie is just too dreary for me. See more Jun 12, 2009 The WORST movie I've ever seen! I could barely sit through it. The acting was awful and so was the story line. Do not waste 2 hours of your life watching this movie.. no matter how bored you are. See more Apr 15, 2009 It's beautiful what an intertwined fabric we all make: sibblings, parents, families, colleagues, neighbours, nations, races. And yet all the while our own perspective of the world seems to magnify our own troubles and concerns so much as to make us almost completely unaware - maybe even blind - of what others are experiencing. But yeah, short but sweet (80 minutes). I liked it. See more Read all reviews
The Architect

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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Matt Tauber

Director

Anthony LaPaglia

Leo Waters

Viola Davis

Tonya Neeley

Isabella Rossellini

Julia Waters

Hayden Panettiere

Christina Waters

Sebastian Stan

Martin Waters

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The Architect

The Architect (2006) A scene from the film "The Architect." On the set of the film "The Architect." View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Tonya Neeley (Viola Davis), a resident of one of her city's most crime-ridden housing projects, circulates a petition to get the complex torn down and replaced with better housing. The worlds of the poor and the privileged collide when she decides that the signature she needs most is that of the project's original designer, wealthy Leo Waters (Anthony LaPaglia).
Director
Matt Tauber
Producer
Declan Baldwin, Jason Kliot, Joana Vicente, Danny Leiner
Screenwriter
Matt Tauber
Production Co
HDNet, Sly Dog Films
Rating
R (Language|Sexual Content)
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 29, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA)
$12.6K
Runtime
1h 21m
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