Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist is a unique film in modern cinema. It runs for over three and a half hours and has a deep, ambitious story. Set in post-World War II America, it follows László Tóth, a Hungarian-Jewish architect played by Adrien Brody. He navigates the American Dream while dealing with trauma, creativity, and cultural assimilation. However “The Brutalist” already has both fans and critics.
Why people loved The Brutalist?
Ambitious Storytelling: The film aims to tell a grand story, reminiscent of Hollywood’s golden age epics, with an overture, intermission, and epilogue, offering a unique cinematic experience.
Visual and Technical Mastery: Praised for its visual storytelling, it is shot in luxurious VistaVision and sometimes screened in 70mm film. Therefore, it is effectively capturing the stark beauty of brutalist architecture.
Acting Prowess: Adrien Brody delivers one of his best performances as László Toth. Felicity Jones and Guy Pearce also received praise for their roles.
Thematic Richness: The film explores deep themes like the clash of art and commerce, the immigrant experience, and historical trauma. The film tackles subjects like anti-Semitism, the Holocaust’s effects on survivors, and the complex dynamics of art patronage. It offers a provocative and intellectually engaging narrative.
Why people disliked The Brutalist? 😒
Narrative Inconsistency: The film’s ambition sometimes exceeds its execution. The second half feels less cohesive, leading to a somewhat unsatisfying conclusion. Some political topics mentioned throughout the narrative feel forced and irrelevant.
Length and Pacing: The film’s ambition sometimes exceeds its execution, making the second half feel less exciting and somewhat uneven.
Character Development: Despite strong performances, some characters lack depth and feel more like vehicles for themes than fully realized individuals. The repetitive scenes do not contribute to character development.
Fictional Character’s Biopic ❕
The character of László Tóth in The Brutalist is likely inspired by several real-life architects known for their work in the brutalist architectural movement or for similar themes of personal struggle and architectural innovation. Here are some architects who might have influenced Tóth’s creation:
- Ernö Goldfinger – A Hungarian-born British architect whose name was famously used by Ian Fleming for the James Bond villain. Goldfinger was a key figure in British brutalism and known for projects like Trellick Tower in London. His immigrant background might resonate with Tóth’s story.
- Le Corbusier – Though his architectural style spans beyond brutalism, his influence on the movement is significant. Buildings like Unité d’Habitation in Marseille epitomize many brutalist principles. His ideas about modernism, functionalism, and the social role of architecture could parallel Tóth’s philosophy.
- Paul Rudolph – Known for his work in the United States, Rudolph designed the notable brutalist Art and Architecture Building at Yale University
The Brutalist is a significant cinematic achievement in scope, visual storytelling, and performance. However, its narrative choices and length spark debate. Moreover, some topics mentioned throughout the film do not contribute to the story or the character development. Nevertheless, The Brutalist stands as a notable addition to the discussion on modern cinema. 🔚
