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Hollywood braces for a fiercely competitive Oscar season
A24’s ‘The Brutalist’ takes center stage
A brutal Oscar season is ahead… in a good way. As the Oscar race intensifies, Hollywood is buzzing with anticipation for an open and unpredictable awards season. After a whirlwind tour through the Venice, Toronto, and New York Film Festivals, A24’s newly acquired historical epic The Brutalist has emerged as a formidable contender in this year’s Academy Awards lineup.
adrien brody’s role of a lifetime
Starring Adrien Brody in a career-redefining role, the film tells the story of László Tóth, a Hungarian-born Jewish architect who survives the Holocaust and immigrates to the U.S. Brody’s portrayal is already being hailed as emotionally charged and deeply moving. The film was recently showcased in an exclusive screening at CAA, attended by industry professionals, journalists, and past Oscar winners.
an epic story of struggle and artistry
The Brutalist spans 30 years in the life of Tóth (Brody), capturing his battle with addiction, poverty, and intolerance even after securing a commission from a wealthy client, Harrison Lee Van Buren (Guy Pearce). Separated from his wife Erzsébet (Felicity Jones) during the war, Tóth’s journey is a poignant depiction of endurance and hope.
a marvel of filmmaking
Produced on a lean budget of $10 million, the film has already garnered early praise for its storytelling and vision. The meticulous planning and execution over seven years by director Brady Corbet and co-writer Mona Fastvold were highlighted in a recent Q&A session, further elevating its reputation among critics.
a standout in an unpredictable Oscar race
In an Oscar season without a clear frontrunner, The Brutalist is poised to make a significant impact. A24’s history of steering unconventional projects to awards success — think “Moonlight” and “Everything Everywhere All at Once” — adds to the film’s momentum. The studio’s expertise in pitching thought-provoking narratives to the Academy is crucial as they balance this project alongside other contenders like “Sing Sing” and “Queer.”
the journey of brady corbet
Director Brady Corbet’s transition from an acclaimed actor to a celebrated director is noteworthy. His previous films, ”The Childhood of a Leader” and “Vox Lux,” displayed his ambition and directorial prowess. The Brutalist has been in development since 2018, initially with a different cast, before the pandemic necessitated changes, culminating in the powerful ensemble we see today.
adrien brody’s second oscar bid?
Brody is no stranger to the Oscars, having won Best Actor for “The Pianist” in 2002. However, his consistent work in Hollywood didn’t often generate the buzz required for another Oscar nod. That could change with his portrayal of László Tóth. His performance has the potential to place him among the elite actors who have multiple Best Actor Oscars, a list including legends like Jack Nicholson and Daniel Day-Lewis.
Experts believe an actor must deliver a performance better than their first award-winning one, or it must sweep critics’ and television awards to secure a second Oscar. Brody’s emotionally riveting role in The Brutalist could indeed be “undeniable.”
strong supporting cast
Guy Pearce’s role as the calculating Harrison Lee Van Buren may draw comparisons to intense performances like Philip Seymour Hoffman’s in “The Master” or Josh Brolin’s in “Milk.” Pearce, often overlooked, could find himself in the running for Best Supporting Actor, especially in a year with a relatively thin field of standout performances.
Felicity Jones, once nominated for “The Theory of Everything,” also delivers a compelling performance. However, her chances in the crowded Best Supporting Actress category might be tougher, with strong contenders vying for the honor.
an epic runtime challenge
With a hefty 215-minute runtime, including a 15-minute intermission, The Brutalist challenges typical audience patience. If it wins Best Picture, it would rank as the fourth longest winner in Oscar history. This ambitious scope could either cement it as a critical darling or hinder its acceptance if the length becomes a turnoff.
an ensemble piece of art
Despite these challenges, the film’s craftsmanship stands out. The talented cast, impressive technical teams (notable mentions for score, production design, and cinematography), and a cohesive directorial vision make The Brutalist special. Corbet’s desire to create timeless cinema rather than transient content encapsulates the ethos of the project: “It’s difficult to make a movie and difficult to make a piece of art. So why is there so much mediocre work?”
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