A24 secures U.S. rights to ‘The Brutalist’: A cinematic journey through history
A new epic on the horizon
In a significant acquisition, A24 has secured the U.S. distribution rights for the historical epic The Brutalist, directed by Brady Corbet and featuring Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones. This 215-minute film, which includes an intermission, made a notable debut at the Venice Film Festival, earning widespread acclaim before being showcased to buyers at the Toronto Film Festival.
A competitive acquisition
The film’s reception at Venice was nothing short of spectacular, with a 12-minute standing ovation and Corbet receiving the Silver Lion award for best director. This enthusiastic response sparked a competitive bidding war, with A24 emerging victorious. The deal, brokered by CAA Media Finance, was reportedly just under $10 million. While A24 has not commented on the specifics, the acquisition underscores the film’s potential impact.
The story of ‘The Brutalist’
The Brutalist tells the compelling story of Hungarian-born Jewish architect László Tóth, portrayed by Adrien Brody. Tóth emigrates to the United States in 1947, initially struggling in poverty before securing a life-changing contract. The film spans 30 years of his life, capturing the essence of his journey and the challenges he faces. The cast also includes Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn, Alessandro Nivola, and Jonathan Hyde. Corbet co-wrote the screenplay with his wife, Mona Fastvold, known for her work on The Sleepwalker.
For a glimpse into this epic tale, check out the trailer for The Brutalist.
A director’s breakthrough
In his third feature film, Corbet has been praised for his directorial prowess. His previous works include The Childhood of a Leader (2015) and Vox Lux (2018), starring Natalie Portman. Critics have lauded The Brutalist as an “engrossing epic,” highlighting Corbet’s growth and evolution as a filmmaker.
International reach and future screenings
Focus Features holds the international distribution rights outside North America. While a U.S. release date has yet to be announced, the film is set to screen at the New York Film Festival, following its presentations in Venice and Toronto. Shot in VistaVision and presented in 70 mm, The Brutalist promises a visually stunning experience.
Behind the scenes
The film is produced by Trevor Matthews and Nick Gordon for Brookstreet U.K., alongside Brian Young and Kaplan Morrison’s Andrew Morrison. Additional producers include Andrew Lauren for Andrew Lauren Productions and D.J. Gugenheim. The financing comes from a consortium of companies, including Lip Sync Productions, Richmond Pictures, Meyohas Studio, Carte Blanche, Pierce Capital Entertainment, and senior lender Cofiloisirs.
A director’s perspective on runtime
Addressing the film’s length, Corbet dismissed concerns about its three-hour-and-15-minute runtime. “I think it’s quite silly actually to have a conversation about runtime,” he remarked at the Venice press conference. “That’s like criticizing a book for being 700 pages instead of 100 pages.” This perspective underscores Corbet’s commitment to storytelling, regardless of conventional constraints.
Final thoughts
The Brutalist is poised to be a significant addition to the cinematic landscape, offering a rich, immersive experience that delves into the life of a remarkable architect. With its stellar cast, visionary direction, and compelling narrative, the film is set to captivate audiences and critics alike. As we await its release, the anticipation continues to build, promising a cinematic journey that will leave a lasting impression.
For more information and to stay updated on the release, visit the official page for The Brutalist.