The Brutalist (2024) – SAB CENTER'S MOVIES

The Brutalist (2024), directed by Brady Corbet, is an ambitious epic that delves into the life of László Tóth, a fictional Hungarian-Jewish architect and Holocaust survivor. Portrayed by Adrien Brody, Tóth emigrates to the United States in 1947 with his wife, Erzsébet (Felicity Jones), to rebuild their lives and pursue the American Dream. The narrative spans over three decades, chronicling Tóth’s professional journey and personal struggles as he collaborates with enigmatic industrialist Harrison Lee Van Buren (Guy Pearce) on a monumental architectural project.

IMDb

The film is notable for its grand scale, shot in 70mm VistaVision, and divided into two parts: “The Enigma of Arrival” and “The Hard Core of Beauty,” with a total runtime of 215 minutes. This structure allows for an in-depth exploration of themes such as ambition, the immigrant experience, and the intersection of art and commerce in mid-20th-century America.

Vanity Fair

Critical Reception

The Brutalist has garnered a range of critical responses:

Praise for Ambition and Performances: Critics have lauded the film’s scope and the compelling performances of its lead actors. Adrien Brody’s portrayal of Tóth is highlighted as powerful, capturing the complexities of a man haunted by his past yet driven by artistic integrity. Guy Pearce’s depiction of Van Buren has also been noted for its depth and nuance. GQ
Visual and Technical Acclaim: The film’s visual grandeur, achieved through its use of VistaVision and 70mm projection, has been praised for enhancing the storytelling, providing a rich and immersive cinematic experience. Time
Critiques on Pacing and Structure: Some reviewers have pointed out that while the first half of the film is compelling, the second half tends to lose momentum, becoming laden with narrative heaviness. This uneven pacing has been seen as a drawback in maintaining the film’s initial engagement. Vanity Fair
Mixed Reactions to Thematic Depth: While the film ambitiously tackles themes of artistic struggle and the American immigrant experience, some critics feel that it does not fully cohere, with certain narrative threads lacking resolution. The film’s length and complexity have been both a point of admiration and critique. Village Voice

Overall, The Brutalist stands as a testament to Brady Corbet’s directorial vision, offering a cinematic experience that is both grand in ambition and rich in performance, while eliciting diverse critical perspectives on its execution and thematic resonance.

The Brutalist | January 24, 2025 (United Kingdom)