20237.3 / 1055mDocumentaryHistory

Eiffel's Race to the Top

Behind the iconic Eiffel Tower lies the story of an incredible challenge to erect a thousand-foot tower that went far beyond a design competition, and marked a major turning point in engineering history. It was the beginning of radical transformation where iron was pitted against stone, engineering against architecture, and modern design against ancients. Press campaigns, lobbying, public conferences, denigration of opposing projects, bragging about big names - all participants engaged in a fierce battle without concession. Using 3D recreations, official sources (reports, letters, drawings...) and intimate archives obtained from their descendants, this film will bring to life this vertical race through a fresh and visual way to mark the centenary of Eiffel death.

Quick Stats
7.3
TMDB Rating
6
Votes
55m
Runtime
Budget
Box Office
Return
Key Crew
DirectorMathieu Schwartz
WriterSavin Yeatman-Eiffel
CinematographyGabriele Buti
ComposerYannis Dumoutiers
EditorRaphaël Bourdelon
Produced by
ZEDARTEThe WNET Group

Where to Watch

Streaming
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Free
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Amazon Video

See more on TMDB → JustWatch

Critics & Reviews

3 featured
Celeste Marlowe
@celeste_writes
8/10

A patient, formally daring work — the cinematography lingers on empty rooms longer than most audiences will tolerate, but those who stay are rewarded with the most haunting final act of the year.

Written Nov 12, 2024 · read original
Jonas Halberg
@jhalberg
9/10

I walked in expecting another genre exercise and walked out feeling like I'd been eavesdropping on a confession. The lead performance is genuinely singular — a career-defining turn.

Written Nov 8, 2024 · read original
Priya Anand
@priya_a
6/10

A few too many scenes feel borrowed from a better film, but the soundtrack and the production design carry the rest. Solid recommendation for fans of slow-burn European thrillers.

Written Oct 30, 2024 · read original

Cast

Marc Citti
Marc Citti
Gustave Eiffel
François Rabette
François Rabette
Jules Bourdais
Léa Schwartz
Léa Schwartz
Claire Eiffel
Régis Royer
Régis Royer
Charles Garnier
Étienne Launay
Étienne Launay
Maurice Koechlin
Édouard Michelon
Édouard Michelon
Émile Nouguier
Romans Suarez-Pazos
Romans Suarez-Pazos
Édouard Lockroy
Cédric Zimmerlin
Cédric Zimmerlin
Amédée Sébillot
L
Luc-Emmanuel Betton
Gustave Ferrié
Bruno Ricci
Bruno Ricci
Émile Trelat
Christophe Reymond
Christophe Reymond
Jean-Louis Pascal
Laurent Lafuma
Laurent Lafuma
Joseph-Antoine Bouvard
G
Gabriel Arbessier
Bourdais' assistant
T
Thomas Ailhaud
D
Daniel Dargau

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