The Brutalist, directed by Brady Corbet, explores the life and work of fictional architect László Tóth. Adrien Brody stars as Tóth, a Hungarian Holocaust survivor who immigrates to America after World War II. Tóth was commissioned by Harrison Lee Van Buren, played by Guy Pearce, to build a community center.
However, their relationship is tense, as Van Buren looks down on the Jewish immigrant. In a shocking scene, Van Buren rapes an intoxicated Tóth in an alley. “The assault is purely about jealousy and power,” says co-writer Mona Fastvold.
“Harrison isn’t content with only possessing the art – he wants to possess the artist.”
After the assault, Tóth retreats inward, becoming angry and closed off.
Adrien Brody Powerfully Depicts Tóth’s Emotional Journey
Additionally, it was revealed that Tóth subtly designed the community center to resemble the concentration camps that imprisoned his family during the war. Tóth’s niece Zsófia, played by Raffey Cassidy as a teenager and Ariane Labed as an adult, delivers a speech celebrating her uncle’s defiantly personal architecture.
“The twist of the movie is that it’s a love story in the end,” says Fastvold. “This obsession with his architecture ultimately expresses love and processing his trauma.”
Corbet’s ambitious three-and-a-half-hour film is a passionate tribute to the determination and vision required to create monumental architectural achievements under challenging circumstances. The striking visuals, projected on immersive 70mm where possible, enhance its status as an arthouse event.
Brody’s portrayal of Tóth captures the character’s raw emotions, compelling his struggle to assimilate into American society. Indeed, the film’s craftsmanship, including Lol Crawley’s cinematography and Daniel Blumberg’s rousing score, elevates it to impressive heights. Although the narrative may focus on specific aspects, The Brutalist‘s ambition and execution make it a significant achievement in cinema. It is a film that profoundly explores themes of legacy, trauma, and the sacrifices made in the name of art.
Learn more about Adrien Brody HERE.