Brady Corbet’s ‘The Brutalist’ is a cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll. It’s a sprawling, intense, and visually stunning film that captivated audiences at the Venice Film Festival. The film’s 215-minute runtime flew by, leaving viewers breathless and wanting more.
The story follows Hungarian Jewish architect László Tóth (Adrien Brody), who, after surviving a concentration camp, seeks a new life in America. He lands in poverty, but soon receives a commission from a wealthy and enigmatic property tycoon, Harrison Lee van Buren (Guy Pearce), to build a monumental community center in rural Pennsylvania. While building his dream, he simultaneously battles heroin addiction, antisemitism, and the fight for his wife, Erzsébet (Felicity Jones), and niece, Zsofia (Raffey Cassidy), to join him in America.
The film’s technical mastery is undeniable. Shot entirely in VistaVision by Lol Crawley and screened in 70mm, ‘The Brutalist’ delivers a rich, immersive visual experience. The opening sequence, which takes us from the depths of a trans-Atlantic steamer to the Statue of Liberty seen upside down, is a breathtaking testament to the film’s technical prowess. Despite its grand scale, the film was made on a seemingly small budget, which makes the achievement even more remarkable.
The performances are equally impressive. Adrien Brody delivers a masterful portrayal of Tóth, capturing the character’s resilience, suffering, and internal turmoil with nuance and depth. Felicity Jones shines as Erzsébet, her fierce intelligence and righteous fury concealed beneath a veneer of charm. However, it’s Guy Pearce who truly steals the show as van Buren. He seamlessly transitions between comic relief with his smooth-talking charm and chillingly menacing displays of brutality and greed. His portrayal is unforgettable and makes him a frontrunner for Best Supporting Actor awards next year.
The film’s soundtrack, composed by avant-garde musician Daniel Blumberg, perfectly complements the narrative. It moves effortlessly between tinkling jazz horns and piano to powerful, cinematic blasts of brass and drums, reflecting the turmoil within Tóth’s soul.
‘The Brutalist’ is not without its flaws. The ending feels a bit ambiguous, lacking resolution for some characters, and the time jump to an epilogue, while stylish, disrupts the film’s haunting atmosphere. Yet, these shortcomings are easily overshadowed by the film’s overall impact.
The film’s ambition is its greatest strength. It’s a sweeping, morally ambiguous exploration of the American dream, the corrupting power of wealth, and the struggle against prejudice. The story resonates with the political and social issues of our time, from immigration policy and the relationship between capitalism and the arts to the complexities of Zionism.
Corbet’s film is a powerful reminder that we shouldn’t be afraid to tackle difficult and uncomfortable issues. ‘The Brutalist’ may not be for everyone, but for those willing to engage with its complex themes and stunning visuals, it’s an unforgettable cinematic experience that deserves to be seen.
