MOVIE NEWS – The Brutalist has emerged as one of 2024’s top films, dominating year-end lists by critics and winning three Golden Globe awards. The movie is also a strong contender for multiple Oscars, including Best Picture.
The journey of The Brutalist to awards season glory has been nothing short of extraordinary. Running for three and a half hours and featuring an intermission, its extensive runtime initially raised eyebrows. The film’s focus on architecture, not a typical crowd-puller, also set it apart from other theatrical releases.
Yet, The Brutalist owes its success to its many strengths. Starring Adrien Brody and Guy Pearce, the film showcases career-defining performances. Its unique storytelling delves into themes that resonate deeply today, including the struggles of immigrants and the enduring impact of the Holocaust.
Who Is László Tóth?
The protagonist of The Brutalist is László Tóth, played by Adrien Brody. László, a Hungarian-Jewish man living in 1940s Europe, survives the Holocaust but loses his family. At the film’s start, László is alone and decides to begin a new life in America. His journey is fraught with challenges—he is fired from his cousin’s business and struggles with heroin addiction.
László is also an architect specializing in the Brutalist style, which gives the film its title. In America, he renovates the house of a wealthy man, Harrison Van Buren (Guy Pearce). Despite an initial misunderstanding, László’s work is praised, and he discovers that his designs were highly regarded in Europe as well. Harrison later commissions him to build a community center. Thanks to Harrison’s influence, László is eventually reunited with his wife and niece, who join him in America.
Why Is The Brutalist Garnering So Much Awards Attention?
Though fictional, László Tóth’s story is an emotional rollercoaster, making it a standout during awards season. His experiences in America mirror those of countless immigrants, marked by hardship, disillusionment, and addiction. While Harrison offers him a job, he undervalues László and treats him as expendable, serving as a critique of capitalism and its power dynamics. The film also reflects on contemporary issues.
Despite his struggles, László finds recognition for his architectural work, culminating in a celebratory ceremony. In the final scene, his niece delivers the closing line: “It’s the destination that matters, not the journey.”
The architecture in the film serves as a powerful metaphor. Brutalist design, characterized by its raw, minimalist aesthetic, often exposes a building’s concrete skeleton. László describes his work as “designed to withstand the erosion of frivolity.” Similarly, The Brutalist underscores the importance of preserving Holocaust survivors’ stories with the same unyielding seriousness.
Adrien Brody’s performance is another key factor in the film’s success. Known for his Oscar-winning role in The Pianist, Brody brings depth and nuance to László, drawing inspiration from his own family’s immigration story. In a review of The Brutalist, Julian Roman lauded Brody’s performance, writing: “Adrien Brody mesmerizes in a sublime lead performance that catapults him to the forefront of awards contention.” Brody has already won Best Actor at the Golden Globes and multiple critics’ association awards.
How to Watch The Brutalist
If you’re intrigued by the buzz surrounding The Brutalist, you’ll need to head to the cinema. The film remains exclusive to theaters and is unavailable on streaming platforms. Shot on traditional film, The Brutalist was designed for the big screen, though its lengthy runtime may deter some viewers.
Since its December 2023 release, the film has been shown in fewer and fewer theaters, suggesting it will soon be available for digital purchase or rental. Once out of theaters, The Brutalist will be accessible via Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Additionally, A24’s partnership with Max means subscribers to the streaming service will also be able to watch it.
You can read our review of The Brutalist here.
Source: MovieWeb
