The Brutalist Movie Review: Brady Corbet Creates A Dark Vision Of The New American Epic [VENICE 2024]

As a cinephile who has spent countless hours watching films that span the globe, I can confidently say that “The Brutalist” is a cinematic tour de force that will leave an indelible mark on the annals of American cinema. With its gripping three-hour runtime and unapologetic exploration of the dark underbelly of the American dream, this film is not for the faint of heart or the casual moviegoer.

A three-hour, 35-minute drama titled “The Brutalist,” exploring the American dream, could be seen as an ambitious move for director Brady Corbet, who has garnered niche audience appreciation but yet to make a significant mainstream impact. However, this film might just do that, particularly among cinephiles, due to its raw portrayal of the American saga and how the ideals that supposedly embody the American dream are corrupted by the deep-rooted fear of the unknown other. Adrien Brody delivers an outstanding performance in this movie, keeping viewers enthralled with his powerful on-screen presence. While a film of such length may not appeal to casual viewers, we predict “The Brutalist” will eventually be hailed as a classic.

The film “The Brutalist” starts post-World War II, with renowned architect László Toth (Adrien Brody) seeking a fresh start in America, waiting for his wife Erzsébet (Felicity Jones) and niece Zsofia (Raffey Cassidy) to join him from Hungary. He wanders for a while, initially staying with a Hungarian relative who immigrated earlier, until eventually receiving a commission from an eccentric millionaire (Guy Pearce’s career-best role) to construct a community center in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. After the turmoil of war and the atrocities of the Holocaust, it appears that László can finally progress with his life. However, chances offered through the generosity of others are precarious, easily withdrawn on a whim. This is particularly true when, despite his efforts to integrate into American society, he and his family continue to be viewed as outsiders, the first to be accused or suspected in times of trouble.

The dark side of the American dream

In this movie, the obvious issue is its extended running time compared to what many viewers might consider adequate for a lengthy film. Despite this, bold decisions have been made, which are clearly evident. The length doesn’t feel excessive due to its well-maintained pace and lack of monotony. Interestingly, Corbet includes an intermission, a move that more directors should consider for longer films as it serves as a refresher and boosts the audience’s energy levels.

Besides crafting the dramatic atmosphere in “The Brutalist,” director Brady Corbet ventures into an intriguing stylistic realm. Known for his daring approach to filmmaking, with some risks paying off and others not as seen in his diverse range of films, this project appears to have been a focus that resulted in its unprecedented success. It’s evident that he had a unique vision for the movie, constructing a darkened reflection of Americana that resembles a haunted funhouse mirror. The Statue of Liberty, symbol of hope and freedom, is even depicted upside down in the film’s opening scene.

Adrien Brody’s best performance to date

Without Adrien Brody’s powerful portrayal as László, all that unfolds would be meaningless. This man, whose life’s labor has been whittled to a symbolic wreckage, remains steadfast in his resolve to rebuild, revealing a character of remarkable intricacy. He oscillates between charismatic and stubborn, ambitious yet lethargic, humble yet proud. His creative drive lies at the heart of him, but it’s constantly shadowed by self-destructive tendencies stemming from past trauma. László may not be a lovable character, or a good husband, or a thoughtful friend, but he’s always captivating, and that’s due to Brody’s profound investment in this role. Felicity Jones complements him perfectly as Erzsébet — though she’s physically drained from wartime malnutrition, she embodies the intellectual, emotional, and moral backbone of their relationship.

“The movie ‘The Brutalist’ isn’t for the timid; it’s a demanding yet immensely gratifying viewing experience. Directed boldly by Brady Corbet and featuring Adrien Brody’s powerful performance, it offers a grim portrayal of the dark underbelly of 1950s America. Despite the era’s prosperity and optimism, the film exposes the hidden fears and anxieties that would ultimately mar the period. This fresh perspective on the American epic film is certain to leave a lasting impact on cinema for many years.”

The film titled “The Brutalist” was first screened at the Venice Film Festival on September 1st, and it’s now actively looking for distribution within the United States.

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2024-09-02 15:00