Discovering ‘The Brutalist’: A cinematic journey through ambition and artistry
A tale of two architects
If you’re planning to watch just one ambitious, allegorical film this year about an architect whose dream is to design buildings that define the future, make it “The Brutalist”. Directed by Brady Corbet, this film stands in stark contrast to Francis Ford Coppola’s “Megalopolis”, which, despite its initial allure, ultimately falters. Corbet’s third feature film is a masterclass in storytelling, offering a rich tapestry of emotion and incident.
A director’s evolution
Brady Corbet’s previous works, “The Childhood of a Leader” and “Vox Lux”, showcased his potential but were marred by indulgence. However, “The Brutalist” is a different beast altogether. Spanning three hours and 15 minutes, the film is a slow-burn narrative that meticulously unravels the life of László Tóth, a Hungarian-born Jewish architect who migrates to America post-World War II. Corbet’s approach here is almost biographical, treating László’s journey with a reverence usually reserved for real-life figures.
The enigmatic László Tóth
The name László Tóth might ring a bell for some, as it was also the name of the Hungarian-born Australian geologist who infamously attacked Michelangelo’s Pietà in 1972. This choice of name is no coincidence; it subtly hints at the dual nature of creation and destruction inherent in any powerful creator. Adrien Brody’s portrayal of László is nothing short of mesmerizing. Unlike his performance in “The Pianist”, which some found lacking, Brody imbues László with a quiet yet tumultuous intensity.
A journey of transformation
László’s arrival in America is marked by a series of transformative experiences. From a jarring sex scene to his struggle with heroin addiction, Corbet doesn’t shy away from depicting the raw and often brutal realities of László’s life. These moments are not just for shock value; they reveal the complex layers of László’s character, making him both self-centered and self-destructive.
The American dream
László’s journey takes him to Pennsylvania, where he stays with his cousin Attila, played by Alessandro Nivola. Attila’s wife, Audrey, portrayed by Emma Laird, becomes the first signifier of treachery in the film. The narrative takes a significant turn when László is commissioned to renovate a reading room into a state-of-the-art library. This project, though initially met with fury by the client’s father, Harrison Lee Van Buren (Guy Pearce), eventually becomes a landmark of design, earning László recognition and a partnership offer from Van Buren.
A complex partnership
The relationship between László and Van Buren is multifaceted, encompassing elements of artist/patron, immigrant Jew/American blue blood, and vassal/exploiter. Guy Pearce’s portrayal of Van Buren is captivating, adding depth to the film’s exploration of power dynamics and artistic ambition.
A bold-statement art film
Corbet’s “The Brutalist” is not just a narrative film; it’s a bold-statement art piece. The film is divided into chapters with evocative titles and even includes a 15-minute intermission accompanied by a modernist solo piano performance. The first half of the film focuses on László’s success, revealing his background as a brutalist designer from the Bauhaus school. His architectural vision is both audacious and enduring, perfectly aligning with Van Buren’s grand ambitions.
The arrival of Erzsébet
The second half of the film introduces László’s wife, Erzsébet, played by Felicity Jones. Her arrival complicates László’s life further, adding another layer of emotional and narrative complexity. The construction of the building becomes an American crusade, fraught with beauty and peril, reminiscent of “The Fountainhead” and “There Will Be Blood”.
A tale of ambition and identity
“The Brutalist” is a profound exploration of immigration, ambition, and the essence of being an artist. It also delves into the Jewish experience in a world that often views Jews with ambivalence. While this aspect of the film might feel overstated to some, it adds a significant layer of meaning to László’s journey.
Ultimately, “The Brutalist” is a cinematic experience that allows viewers to witness a man’s life unfold before their eyes. Whether it achieves the grand meaning Corbet intended is subjective, but the film’s ability to evoke such a powerful sense of life and ambition is, in itself, a remarkable achievement.
For more details and to watch the trailer, visit The Brutalist.
Note: This article is designed to provide an in-depth analysis and personal reflections on “The Brutalist”. For more information on the film and to watch the trailer, follow the provided link.