For me, being a mother has been my most difficult and most rewarding job. Now that my three sons are grown with families of their own, I am experiencing an entirely new adventure. Right now I am beginning the adventure of a lifetime.
Our oldest son Eric, informed us when he was in college, that his intention was to move to Los Angeles when he graduated. In my heart, I always knew that would be his path because Eric loved the movies. His desire was to act. In 1992 he moved to L. A., from his home in St. Louis, Missouri, to participate in a reperatory company for his Master’s degree. He remained in the program for one year and knew that it was not for him. He was an extra and had bit parts in many T.V. programs and movies. Then one day he woke up and said, "Acting is not what I want to do. I want to make movies."
Eric wanted to make movies but he also wanted to eat. He decided to expand our art business into the Los Angeles market. He took it to a whole new level and it provided him with an income. While in the art business he encountered a client who needed black and white photos for a project. He was referred to the world renown architectural photographer, Julius Shulman. Eric went to Julius’s home and studio in Hollywood Hills and immediately connected with him. They became very good friends, even though Julius was eighty eight at the time! Eric cherished his time with Julius.
He learned about architecture and photography as being in Julius’s studio was like being in a museum. Julius’s client base consisted of architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Frank Gheary, Richard Neutra and a plethora of famous architects. One day Eric just asked Julius, "Has anyone ever done a film on your life? I would like to." Julius said, "No and yes."
This was the day Visual Acoustics: The Modernism of Julius Shulman began its gestation period. Now it is imperative to go back to this day. Who is Eric Bricker? He is an intelligent, kind and exceptional human being with no connections to big money or Hollywood. How could he possibly put this together? When he told me his plan, I had no doubt Eric would not only make the film but that it would be an amazing film. He learned how to do his own cinematography as well as running the whole production. He hired a team who helped raise money and he raised much of it himself. Dante Spinote, an academy award cinematographer, offered his services. Dustin Hoffman did the voice-over. It was a long and gruelling process. Eric never lost hope or enthusiasm. He was compelled to letting the world see the life of Julius Shulman.
Finally, in December of 2007 the film was being screened in Beverly Hills for the investors and all of the people who worked on the film. It was in a beautiful theatre with a red carpet. The lights went out and I was breathless. I felt like I did when I was giving birth for the very first time. What do I expect? I was amazed. I am an avid movie goer and I was watching a film produced and directed by my son on a big screen–and it was beautiful. Eric told me that he would only make movies that would assist in making the world a better place. And that is precisely what this man of high integrity did. This movie shared the life of an amazing photographer, showed breathtaking architecture along with heartfelt original music. It was a beautiful experience.
When it was over a guest asked Julius what he thought. This frail old man stood up, put his arms around Eric and cried on his shoulder. It was a particularly poignant moment. I especially cherish this moment, as Julius Shulman passed away in August, a few months short of ninety nine.
Everyone loved the movie but the reality is that less than one per cent of movies that are made get sold. What would be the fate of Visual Acoustics? It began the festival circuit and debuted in the Los Angeles Film Festival. It then was entered in many more and won Best Documentary several times. It has since been shown all over the world.
Then, it was finally purchased by Arthouse Films. It has been shown in many museums and now the fun begins. The film is opening in New York in early October. Then it goes to Los Angeles. Eric is beginning a national tour as he will be doing a Q & A after the film is shown. He goes to Denver, San Diego, San Francisco, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Dallas, and many other cities. He will be doing a tour of some of the Southern cities in February. The film has been shown in Australia, Israel, Mexico and many other foreign countries. This has been an absolutely amazing experience!
I am so thrilled for my son and his efforts. He could never have done it without all the help of his staff and of course, Julius. The night of the screening, I asked Julius, "Why did you let a young man with no experience make a film of your life?" And, Julius replied, "When a friend makes a request, you simply say yes." What a simple and heartfelt response.
So, hats off to Julius and Eric. Most of all hats off to the Creator of all life that assists all of us in carrying out our wildest dreams. My little boy had to move far away from home to live out his dream. What I have realized is that the heart knows no distance. Now Eric lives in Austin, Texas in the middle of many talented independent filmmakers. Today, he is one of them!
