The Brutalist is in cinemas on Friday 24 January. Add it to your watchlist.
At the very beginning, with a Statue of Liberty appearing upside-down, it’s evident that The Brutalist is not interested in presenting a traditional, patriotic interpretation of the American Dream.
The American filmmaker Brady Corbet, who transitioned from acting to writing and directing, made a strong impression with his initial films “The Childhood of a Leader” and “Vox Lux“. However, his third movie, a joint effort with his partner, the director Mona Fastvold (of “The World to Come“) raises the bar on his cinematic craft yet again.
The award-winning film narrates a fictional account about László Tóth (played by Adrien Brody), a renowned Hungarian architect who was once imprisoned in a concentration camp. After World War II, he manages to come to America, while his wife Erzsébet (Felicity Jones) and their niece Zsófia (Raffey Cassidy) remain back home.
At first, Laszlo is hired by his cousin Attila (Alessandro Nivola), who runs a furniture store. However, he loses the job after Attila’s kind wife, Audrey (Emma Laird), makes an accusation against him. Later, László gets the opportunity to redesign the library of Harrison Lee Van Buren Sr, an industrialist played by Guy Pearce, from his son Harry (Joe Alwyn). This project is intended as a delightful surprise for the senior Van Buren.
Rather than reacting angrily to what he sees as an intolerable invasion at first, Harrison eventually grows fond of László’s work, driven by his recent understanding of Lászlo’s esteemed reputation. As the Van Buren library garners attention among the elite, Harrison hires László for a grand cultural project, honoring his deceased mother with a new building. However, the construction process is filled with difficulties, straining both men in the process. Later on, László is reconnected with Erzsébet and Zsófia.
In VistaVision’s outdated wide-screen format, the movie The Brutalist was presented in a manner reminiscent of older times, and it included a 15-minute pause. This film is deeply rooted in history and provides insightful commentary on America’s complex ties with immigrants – those who have contributed to its growth but are never fully accepted as fully American.
The Brutalist delves into the harsh realities of immigrant life, as portrayed by the character of Lászlo, revealing the vulnerability and instability that comes with it – the necessity to rely on others’ kindness and the constant fear of being viewed with suspicion. The novel also tackles the complexities inherent in philanthropy, showcasing the tense dynamics between artist and benefactor, characterized by envy, dependence, and concessions. Beneath the facade of flattery and generosity lies bitterness and contempt towards László’s perceived lack of humility and gratitude; he is often seen as needing to be kept in check.
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In a heartfelt portrayal, Brody depicts a character who recognizes his value but still finds himself engulfed by the contempt of others and the torment of someone who, despite his self-pride, skill, and diligence, struggles to achieve independence. Pearce delivers an exceptional performance, his face rigid with tension, as a man ensnared in a destructive relationship, revealing his true nature through his initial outburst. Van Buren presents the tempting cup of his patronage to boost his own reputation, but falters when confronted by the brilliance of a man he deems undeserving of such talent.
This movie, in many aspects, explores the realm of art and architecture, delving into the double-edged sword of genuine creativity – its blessings and burdens. It showcases how these creations mirror our personal identities and societal characteristics during different periods.
In my eyes, the structure I’m referring to stands as a testament to a cherished family member, skillfully catering to the varying requirements of our community, and mirroring the unique preferences of its benefactor. However, it seems that ultimately, it speaks volumes about the architect’s own persona.
After seven years of development, “The Brutalist” stands out as an immense work, both in scale and intent, resembling a contemporary film by Orson Welles, while it also resonates with modern classics such as “There Will Be Blood“.
At a time when U.S. politics is experiencing significant upheaval, revealing fault lines in the tenuous bond between liberal and conservative factions, it’s particularly relevant to delve into the origins of contemporary America and the underlying tensions simmering just below its surface.
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2025-01-14 21:35