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‘The Brutalist’ – Review

‘The Brutalist’ – Review

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Cinema thrives on bold visions, and with The Brutalist, Brady Corbet delivers a monumental work that redefines the immigrant narrative and the pursuit of the American Dream. The Brutalist is a powerful meditation on the cost of chasing greatness while navigating a fractured identity in a foreign land.

Escaping postwar Europe, a visionary architect comes to America to rebuild his life, his career, and his marriage. On his own in a strange new country, he settles in Pennsylvania, where a wealthy and prominent industrialist recognises his talent.

Brady Corbet cements his status as a visionary filmmaker with The Brutalist, an audacious and deeply affecting exploration of the American Dream and the immigrant experience in post-WWII America. Following his earlier works, Corbet fully comes into his own with this grand, character-driven epic. With an emotionally raw narrative anchored by Adrien Brody’s powerhouse performance as László Tóth, The Brutalist is an unforgettable cinematic experience that challenges and enthralls in equal measure.

Corbet presents a haunting vision of post-war America, blending psychological intensity with an unflinching examination of human trauma and creativity. Through Tóth’s story — a Hungarian immigrant and architect striving to leave his mark — Corbet explores the intersection of artistic ambition and personal disintegration. This is not your typical feel-good tale of triumph; instead, it’s a deeply layered exploration of human frailty, ambition, and the scars left by history. Following the success of his earlier films, Corbet has crafted an epic of grand proportions — both visually and emotionally — that challenges audiences to confront uncomfortable truths while marveling at its artistic brilliance.

The Brutalist is a film as grand in scope as the monuments Tóth dreams of building. Corbet’s meticulous attention to detail shines through in every frame, with cinematographer Lol Crawley delivering a visual feast that feels both intimate and monumental. Shot in VistaVision, the film captures the rich textures and stark landscapes of 1947 – 1960 Philadelphia. The low-light compositions and vibrant bursts of color echo the works of Norman Rockwell and Andrew Wyeth, creating a canvas-like visual language that underscores Tóth’s crumbling psyche and the emotional depth of the story.

Corbet’s decision to include an intermission is a bold throwback to the golden age of epics like Ben-Hur and Lawrence of Arabia. This pause serves as more than a nostalgic nod — it offers audiences a moment to reflect on the unfolding tragedy and grapple with the weight of the narrative. At a runtime of over three and a half hours, this intermission feels both necessary and meaningful, enriching the film’s contemplative rhythm.

Adrien Brody’s portrayal of László Tóth is nothing short of extraordinary. Bringing his own familial history and emotional depth to the role, Brody crafts a performance that is as raw as it is nuanced. Tóth is a man undone by ambition, and Brody embodies his descent with heartbreaking intensity. His ability to convey Tóth’s unwavering commitment to his art, even as his personal world collapses, makes this performance deeply human and profoundly moving. It’s no surprise that Brody is already generating Oscar buzz — this is the kind of transformative role that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.

While The Brutalist is undeniably a masterpiece, it is not an easy film to watch. Corbet eschews sentimentality, delivering a raw and often brutal portrait of a man and an era scarred by trauma. The film doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of its subject matter, and some moments may feel gratuitous. However, these choices serve a purpose, offering an unvarnished examination of the emotional and societal fractures that defined the post-war period.

Corbet’s bold approach may polarize audiences, but for those willing to engage with its challenging themes, The Brutalist is a deeply rewarding experience. It’s a film that lingers, urging viewers to ponder the cost of ambition, the fragility of identity, and the elusive nature of the American Dream.

Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist is a triumph of modern filmmaking — a visually stunning, emotionally resonant epic that stands as a testament to the power of cinema. With its masterful direction, breathtaking visuals, and Adrien Brody’s career-defining performance, this is a film that demands to be seen. While it’s not for the faint of heart, its impact is undeniable, and its place in the pantheon of great American epics feels assured.

Image: Universal Pictures