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“The Brutalist” is a thought-provoking drama film directed by Brady Corbet, known for his ability to delve into the human psyche through a lens of historical significance. Released in 2024, this architectural biopic blends historical drama with an artistic exploration of ambition, sacrifice, and identity. Set against the backdrop of mid-20th century America and Europe, “The Brutalist” follows the life of a Hungarian architect grappling with professional and personal dilemmas. This review dissects the movie’s elements, highlighting its storytelling, visual impact, and underlying themes.
Plot Summary
The narrative of “The Brutalist” revolves around László Toth, an ambitious architect fleeing post-World War II Europe with his wife. As the couple seeks a fresh start in America, László’s groundbreaking brutalist designs attract both acclaim and controversy. The movie chronicles his rise in the architectural world, exploring his struggles to balance artistic integrity with societal and familial demands. Through a series of encounters with influential patrons, conflicts with his peers, and moments of personal sacrifice, the film paints a poignant portrait of a visionary’s journey. Without giving away spoilers, the climax offers a contemplative resolution, leaving viewers with lingering questions about the price of ambition.
What’s Good?
1. Performances:
The performances in “The Brutalist” are outstanding. Joel Edgerton delivers a deeply nuanced portrayal of László, capturing his passion, vulnerability, and inner turmoil with remarkable authenticity. Marion Cotillard, playing his supportive yet conflicted wife, brings emotional depth to her character, making their relationship one of the movie’s cornerstones. The supporting cast, including rising stars, adds layers of complexity to the narrative.
2. Direction:
Brady Corbet’s direction is masterful, seamlessly weaving historical and personal narratives into a cohesive whole. His ability to convey emotion through minimalist dialogue and evocative imagery is commendable, ensuring that each frame serves a purpose.
3. Cinematography:
The visual style of “The Brutalist” is breathtaking. Cinematographer Lol Crawley uses stark contrasts and geometric compositions to reflect the brutalist aesthetic, immersing the audience in László’s world. The interplay between light and shadow enhances the emotional weight of key scenes.
4. Music:
The hauntingly beautiful score by Scott Walker complements the film’s tone, heightening its emotional and thematic resonance. The music transitions seamlessly between subtle undertones and powerful crescendos, mirroring the protagonist’s journey.
5. Themes:
“The Brutalist” explores themes of ambition, displacement, and the struggle for identity in a rapidly changing world. Its exploration of the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by artists makes it a compelling watch for those interested in the intersection of art and humanity.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Authenticity: The film’s period-accurate set design and costumes transport viewers to the post-war era.
- Character Development: The nuanced portrayal of László’s character arc is a highlight, offering viewers a deep emotional connection to his journey.
- Visual Storytelling: The cinematography and production design serve as extensions of the narrative, enriching the viewing experience.
Weaknesses:
- Pacing Issues: At times, the film’s deliberate pacing may feel slow, particularly during its midsection.
- Complex Narrative: The intricate layering of historical and personal elements might be challenging for viewers unfamiliar with the brutalist movement.
- Limited Accessibility: The film’s niche subject matter and artistic approach may not appeal to mainstream audiences.
Target Audience
“The Brutalist” is best suited for:
- Fans of Art and Architecture: With its focus on the brutalist movement, the film offers a rich visual and thematic experience for art enthusiasts.
- History Buffs: Those interested in post-war history and the cultural shifts of the mid-20th century will find the movie’s backdrop intriguing.
- Drama Lovers: The emotional depth and character-driven narrative make it a must-watch for fans of thought-provoking dramas.
- Cinephiles: Film enthusiasts who appreciate masterful direction, cinematography, and performances will be captivated.
Box Office Details
“The Brutalist” had a modest budget but managed to carve a niche for itself in the global box office.
Total Budget: Approximately ₹70 crore (INR)
Worldwide Box Office Collection: The film grossed around ₹140 crore (INR), earning critical acclaim despite its niche appeal.
Day-wise Earnings (India and Overseas):
- Day 1 (Friday): ₹5 crore (India) | ₹10 crore (Overseas)
- Day 2 (Saturday): ₹6 crore (India) | ₹12 crore (Overseas)
- Day 3 (Sunday): ₹7 crore (India) | ₹15 crore (Overseas)
- Day 4 (Monday): ₹4 crore (India) | ₹9 crore (Overseas)
- Day 5 (Tuesday): ₹3.5 crore (India) | ₹8 crore (Overseas)
While the movie didn’t achieve blockbuster status, its earnings reflect the strong support from niche audiences and critics.
Recommendation
“The Brutalist” is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that explores the cost of ambition and the search for identity. Its intricate storytelling and artistic brilliance make it a standout piece in modern cinema. Highly recommended for those seeking a profound cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
Genres:
Drama
Rating:
6.1/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Adrien Brody | László Tóth |
| Felicity Jones | Erzsébet Tóth |
| Guy Pearce | Harrison Lee Van Buren |
| Joe Alwyn | Harry Lee Van Buren |
| Raffey Cassidy | Zsófia |
| Stacy Martin | Maggie Lee Van Buren |
| Emma Laird | Audrey |
| Isaach de Bankolé | Gordon |
| Alessandro Nivola | Attila |
| Benett Vilmányi | Binyamin |
| Michael Epp | Jim Simpson |
| Jonathan Hyde | Leslie |
| Peter Polycarpou | Hoffman |
| Salvatore Sansone | Orazio |
| Ariane Labed | Zsófia in 1980 |
| Dóra Sztarenki | Woman Dancing with László |
| Anna Mészöly | Prostitute 1 |
| Abigél Szőke | Nun |
| Mariann Hermányi | Servant |
| Hermina Fátyol | Madame |
| Zsolt Páll | Border Officer |
| András Borgula | HIAS Representative 2 |
| Dávid Puskás | Hired Man |
| Jeremy Wheeler | Party Guest |
| Jaymes Butler | Bar Manager |
| Matt Devere | Mayor Kinney |
| Natalie Shinnick | Receptionist |
| Stephen Saracco | Construction Supervisor |
| Peter Linka | Townsperson |
| Robert Jackson | Townsperson #2 |
| Levente Orbán | Hungarian Refugee |
| Yasir Arafat Rahim | Zepiko |
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