The Great Arch (PG) – 108 minutes

It was originally known as the cube and later the arch, an architectural creation with uninterrupted line of site to the Arc de Triomphe.

As it turned out, it was plagued by controversy.

In 1982, French president François Mitterrand (Michel Fau) launched an international competition to design the flagship project of his term in office.

The surprise winner was an unknown 53-year-old from Copenhagen.

His name was Otto von Spreckelsen (Claes Bang).

He taught architecture in Copenhagen. He had built his own home and four churches – two Catholic and two Protestant.

Chosen by an independent panel as the successful submission, von Sprecklesen’s concept quickly won over the French president for its purity of design.

President Mitterand was insistent on it being built to mark the bicentennial of the French Revolution.

Written by Stephane Demoustier, based on the novel by Laurence Cosse, The Great Arch is freely inspired by events that took place between 1983 and 1987.

The role attributed to the architect’s wife, Liv (Sidse Babett Knudsen), the private situations depicted and the dialogue are fictional.

Otto von Spreckelsen is presented as insistent and dogmatic that his idea be followed to the letter and that created all sorts of issues.

For instance, he wanted no joins in the glass façade and the finest, purest white marble that glowed pink at sunset.

This is where he ran into problems with the French establishment, as represented by public servant Paul Andreu (Swann Arlaud).

And he locked horns with fellow architect, Jean-Louis Subilon (Xavier Dolan), the designer of Charles de Gaulle Airport, who he appointed as his project manager.

If that wasn’t difficult enough, the political tide turned, serving to create even greater headaches.

As von Spreckelsen’s frustrations grew, he even butted heads with his biggest supporter, his fiercely loyal wife.

Who could have known that a story about an architect of little renown could have been so compelling?

A humorous start gives way to a largely dramatic story.

This is a fascinating insight into the human condition, in which passion, hubris and the search for perfection comes a cropper.

It also shines a searing light on bureaucracy.

What begins with such promise becomes mired in dispute.

Demoustier has done a fine job piecing it all together, introducing revelation after revelation, turning it into the equivalent of a page turner.

Claes Bang is stately as the feted architect.

Sidse Babett Knudsen is a tower of strength and the voice of reason as his wife.

Michel Fau brings an air of authority to the French president.

As von Spreckelsen’s architectural sidekick, Xavier Dolan tries his best to rationalise with von Spreckelsen.

Swann Arlaud is well cast as the bureaucratic roadblock.

Visually, The Great Arch reflects the time period well. I am not just talking about the cinematography, which is outstanding, but the baggy suiting.

My only reservation about the film is the unexpected ending, detailing what became of von Spreckelsen.

I simply wanted an explanation as to why it was so, but to say any more would be to spoil the surprise.

Nevertheless, it remains a film of merit.

Rated PG, it scores a 7½ out of 10.