Film Review: The Pruitt-Igoe Myth

Overview

• Title: The Pruitt-Igoe Myth: An Urban History
• Main Idea: The film explores the complex history of Pruitt-Igoe, a public housing project in St. Louis, and its failure as a reflection of the broader urban decline.
• Objective: To challenge myths about Pruitt-Igoe's failure and to provide a nuanced understanding of urban issues.

Key Themes

Challenging Myths

• Conventional Wisdom: The film defies the belief that Pruitt-Igoe's architecture or immoral residents were solely to blame for its failure.
• Complexity of Failure: Emphasizes that the failure of Pruitt-Igoe is emblematic of broader urban problems, not just isolated issues.

Historical Context

• St. Louis Parallel: As Pruitt-Igoe failed, so did St. Louis, highlighting urban decline.
• Demographics: Built for a post-war population of 1M, but by the last demolition in 1977, the population had halved.

Screening and Reception

• Screening: Shown at Tivoli Theater; praised at film festivals, winning Best Feature Documentary at Oxford and Kansas City.
• International Screenings: Scheduled for fall.

Narrative and Experience

Former Residents' Stories

• Personal Accounts: The film includes narratives from former residents, juxtaposed with archival footage.
• Varied Experiences: Residents had diverse experiences, from vibrant community life to crime-ridden environments.

Urban Renewal Impact

• Displacement: Urban renewal projects displaced African American communities.
• Policy Influence: Welfare policies and federal guidelines contributed to Pruitt-Igoe's failure.

Societal Reflections

Public and Private Sector Roles

• Pruitt-Igoe as a Solution: Initially seen as a modern solution to slums, offering better living conditions.
• Desegregation Impact: Following Brown v. Board of Education, white and middle-class flight led to declining rent revenue and maintenance.

Iconic Imagery

• The Arch: The imagery of Pruitt-Igoe's demolition with the St. Louis Arch symbolizes contrasting urban priorities.
• Community Life: Reflects on community aspects through sounds, smells, and festive memories.

Analysis and Takeaway

Broader Implications

• Mirror to St. Louis: The film uses Pruitt-Igoe to reflect on the city's history and treatment of the poor.
• Complex Urban History: Dispels myths, presenting a clear and honest portrayal of urban complexity.

Additional Resources

• Links to further nextSTL coverage on Pruitt-Igoe and urban renewal topics.

Photos and content courtesy of pruitt-igoe.com