Marie Kouppi
A combination of ambition and the harsh realities of post-war displacement—Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist is a cinematic achievement.
It is a story that resonates deeply, particularly in an era where the experiences of immigrants and the challenges of artistic integrity remain painfully relevant. The film takes audiences on an emotional journey through sacrifice, love, and the cost of creation.
The Brutalist: An Architect’s Struggle in a New World
Set against the backdrop of post-World War II displacement, the film follows László Tóth (Adrien Brody), a Hungarian-Jewish architect who flees Europe with his wife Erzsébet (Felicity Jones) to build a new life in America.
László is a visionary, one whose designs reflect the stark, unyielding beauty of the brutalist movement. However, he quickly learns that America is not always welcoming to outsiders, especially those with uncompromising artistic visions.
“The film’s narrative is both intimate and sweeping”
Enter Harrison Lee Van Buren (Guy Pearce), a wealthy industrialist who recognises László’s talent and offers him a commission that could define his career.
However, this partnership comes at a cost. László must navigate the power dynamics of an elite that sees art as a commodity, rather than as an expression of identity and survival.
As the years pass, László finds himself increasingly trapped—both by the expectations placed upon him and by the ghosts of his past.
The film’s narrative is both intimate and sweeping, exploring not only one man’s fight for recognition but also the broader struggle of immigrants to be seen and valued in their adopted homelands.
Brody’s Career-Defining Performance
While The Brutalist boasts an impressive ensemble cast, it is Brody who delivers an unforgettable performance. There’s a quiet intensity of a man who has endured unimaginable loss yet refuses to compromise his artistic vision.
Brody, himself the son of an Hungarian immigrant mother, brings a haunting authenticity to the role. László’s eyes, often brimming with unspoken emotion, tell a story.
“It is Adrien Brody who delivers an unforgettable performance”
Jones is equally captivating as Erzsébet, offering a performance that balances resilience with heartbreak. Erzsébet is a woman struggling to maintain her own sense of identity while watching the man she loves be consumed by his work and the pressures of assimilation.
Pearce, meanwhile, is terrifyingly unsettling as Van Buren. His portrayal of a powerful benefactor swings between kind and quiet menace, making him a fascinating character. He embodies the allure and danger of wealth, how it can offer salvation while simultaneously trapping those who rely on it.
A Painfully Personal Screenplay
One of the most striking aspects of The Brutalist is its deeply personal screenplay. The film draws from real accounts of European architects who sought refuge in America after World War II, only to find themselves at the mercy of powerful patrons.
The screenplay’s emotional weight is undeniable, touching on themes of artistic integrity, displacement, and the silent suffering of those who are forced to reinvent themselves.
“The script’s emotional weight is undeniable”
Corbet himself has spoken about how the film reflects broader immigrant narratives. Particularly the idea of having to “earn” one’s place in a new society through relentless work and sacrifice.
The struggle of László is not just that of an architect, but of anyone who has had to prove their worth in a world that sees them as an outsider.
A Visual and Cinematic Masterpiece
Beyond its performances and screenplay, The Brutalist is a film of extraordinary visual depth. Shot in 70mm using VistaVision cameras, the cinematography reflects the stark beauty of brutalist architecture itself.
From the harsh lines, towering structures, there’s a sense of both grandeur and isolation throughout. Every frame feels carefully composed, as if László himself had a hand in designing the world around him.
“The Brutalist is a film of extraordinary visual depth”
The scenes are cold and artificial, in contrast with moments of warmth and intimacy, reflecting László’s internal struggle.
Additionally, the echoes of footsteps in empty halls, the hum of a city indifferent to the dreams of one man, create an immersive world that draws viewers deep into his journey.
The Film’s Painful Production Journey
Like the story it tells, the making the film was a struggle against the odds. Originally budgeted at $28 million, the film was ultimately made for just $9.6 million.
Such a drastic cut forced Corbet and his team to rethink how to bring this sweeping vision to life. Production was further complicated by delays, creative disputes, and even health issues.
At one point, Corbet directed portions of the film while battling pneumonia, a testament to his determination to see his vision through. Despite these challenges, the final product is nothing short of extraordinary.
Critical Acclaim and Awards Potential
Since its release, The Brutalist has been met with widespread acclaim.
It has already gained a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have praised its ambition, its performances, and its ability to tell a deeply human story through the lens of architectural grandeur.
With 10 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Brody), and Best Cinematography, the film has cemented itself as a major contender in the awards race.
A Masterpiece That Will Stand the Test of Time
The Brutalist is more than just a film, it is a statement on art, ambition, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Its unforgettable performances, stunning visuals, and a script steeped in history and heartache. It is not just one of the best films of the year, but one of the most essential films of the decade.
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Featured image courtesy of Niamat Ullah on Unsplash. No changes were made to this image. Image license found here.
Marie Kouppi
Marie, the Cypriot Instagram editor of Empoword Journalism
Currently a teacher but silently crying about my PhD about ‘British Morals and their Impact on Societal Censorship in Arts!