I’m Still Thinking About The Brutalist, And I Can’t Get Over How The Epic A24 Movie Was Made For $10 Million

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As a film enthusiast with over three decades of watching and analyzing movies under my belt, I must say that The Brutalist has left me utterly astounded. Having attended a private screening months before its official release, I can confidently assert that it is one of the most impressive films I’ve ever seen, particularly given its modest budget of $10 million.

Although “The Brutalist” hasn’t hit theaters on a wide scale yet, scheduled for 2024 (in certain cities), I had the opportunity to watch an early showing of director Brady Corbet’s masterpiece over a month ago. Since then, it’s been hard to get it out of my mind, particularly because the Adrien Brody film is widely regarded as one of A24’s finest productions, made on a budget of just $10 million.

Ever since its premiere at the Venice Film Festival a few months back, I’ve been captivated by the sweeping tale of a Hungarian architect rebuilding his life in post-WWII America. The buzz around it is more than justified, with top-notch performances, a heartwarming narrative exploring identity, bravery, and artistry, and visuals that rival epics like “Lawrence of Arabia” or “Once Upon a Time in the West”. I’m still left marveling at how such a masterful work was created so flawlessly.

The Brutalist Is A 3.5-Hour Epic That Feels Like A Massive Hollywood Production, Not A $10-Million Independent Film

Given that “The Brutalist” spans approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, including a well-discussed 15-minute break, I thought this grand tale of an architect and a wealthy industrialist collaborating on a monumental project in the Pennsylvania countryside would have a substantial budget. After all, it was filmed using 35mm film in the VistaVision format – isn’t that expensive?

Based on Variety’s report, the film The Brutalist was estimated to cost approximately $10 million for its production. Compared to Killers of the Flower Moon, another recent movie with a runtime exceeding three hours, this is relatively small change. Although Corbet’s movie lacks big-name stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro who command high fees, it boasts grand sets, meticulous detail, and a story that unfolds over nearly four decades.

What Brady Corbet Has Said About Shooting On Such A Small Budget

Ever since I learned that Brady Corbet produced The Brutalist with approximately $10 million, I’ve been curious about the process. Specifically, I wondered how he managed it. To answer my question, an earlier Variety article revealed that the director shared his methods:

To save every penny, we spared no expense and worked tirelessly to ensure that every last dollar was visible in our project. It was an arduous task, one I wouldn’t advise for anyone due to the prolonged period of essentially working without pay. … I never found myself yearning for an extra $30 million. Such wealth comes with strings attached; it attracts numerous opinions and invites meddling from executives who often mistrust the director, overwhelming them with instructions. The end result is a sterile product that lacks individuality. It’s akin to choosing a polished Crate & Barrel bowl over an artisanal Wabi Sabi ceramic.

Later on, cinematographer Lol Crawley backed up Corbet’s statement by stating to The Hollywood Reporter that once filming began, they filmed everything within 34 days, which is astonishing given the numerous sets used in the movie. Previously working with the director on both “The Childhood of a Leader” and “Vox Lux”, Crawley mentioned that Corbet was clear about his vision and managed to capture some crucial scenes in a single take. This is particularly remarkable for one specific scene, but I’ll leave it for you to discover.

The Director’s Comments Honestly Make Me Appreciate The Brutalist More, Something I Didn’t Think Was Possible

Initially, “The Brutalist” was my top pick for the year’s best film and a must-watch among 2024 releases. However, after learning about Corbet’s experience in producing one of the most monumental epics on a minimal budget, my admiration for the movie has grown even deeper. I never thought it could be heightened further.

I’m uncertain about the exact return date of “The Brutalist” to my area (it might be as early as 2025), but I plan on attending the premiere of its wide release to rewatch it. I may even go back to see it multiple times, just like I did with “There Will Be Blood” in 2008, where I watched it up to five times.

As the awards season commences, we’re certain to delve deeper into “The Brutalist”. However, before that, there are several intriguing A24 films on the horizon that are definitely worth your attention.

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2024-12-26 00:07