In a film that spans over three-and-a-half hours, "The Brutalist" tells the compelling story of Hungarian immigrant and Holocaust survivor László Tóth as he attempts to rebuild his life in post-war America. Directed by Brady Corbet, the film captures the experiences of Tóth, played by Adrien Brody, as he flees his native Hungary, a nation that became a satellite state of the Soviet Union after World War Two. The narrative unfolds through Tóth's work as an architect, weaving a tale of resilience, ambition, and the pursuit of legacy.
Nominated for 10 Oscars, "The Brutalist" has garnered critical acclaim, with Adrien Brody receiving a nomination for Best Actor for his portrayal of László Tóth. The film's extensive runtime is divided by an intermission, offering audiences a reprieve and enhancing the viewing experience. Director Brady Corbet likens the length of the movie to other forms of art, stating, "For me, I think that the length of a movie is similar to the length of a book, a double album, a painting with a big canvas."
László Tóth's journey in America sees him employed by wealthy industrialist Harrison Lee Van Buren to design a monumental project—a tribute to Van Buren's late mother. The film explores themes of identity and ambition as Tóth navigates his new world with his wife Erzsébet, portrayed by Felicity Jones. Felicity Jones reflects on her role, saying, "I spend most of my life foraging through scripts, trying to find decent characters to play. That's a huge part of it."
Adrien Brody's performance has been praised for its depth and authenticity. Brody himself admires the character's complexity, noting, "He plays a man who has almost more sense of self than Van Buren does, which was a great thing for me to work off because I think Van Buren, even though he admires László, he probably is patronising of him." Brody further comments on the universal artistic struggle portrayed in the film: "Any artistic person, I think, can relate to the struggle and yearnings to leave, create a body of work and leave behind something of great meaning."
The film's exploration of personal and professional reinvention resonates with audiences on multiple levels. László's story is not just one of survival but also of creating a meaningful legacy. His architectural endeavors serve as a metaphor for rebuilding one's life amidst adversity.
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