Brady Corbet’s ‘The Brutalist’ Explores Art vs Content with Star Cast
Brady Corbet’s film delves into the complexities of art and content, featuring Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones in a gripping narrative.
Brady Corbet, The Brutalist, Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Toronto, Film
Toronto: So, have you heard about Brady Corbet’s new film, The Brutalist? It’s quite the ambitious project. With a budget under $10 million and a runtime of 215 minutes, it’s a real cinematic journey. The film stars Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones, and it tells the story of a Hungarian-Jewish architect who survives the Holocaust and starts anew in the U.S.
Brody plays László Tóth, who leaves his wife Erzsébet (played by Jones) behind after World War II. She’s stuck at the Austrian border with their niece while László moves in with his cousin in Pennsylvania. They get hired to design a unique library for a wealthy businessman’s son, which changes everything for László.
The film spans 30 years, tackling heavy themes like trauma from the Holocaust and the immigrant experience. It uses brutalist architecture as a metaphor for these struggles. Corbet mentioned how fascinating it is that brutalism still sparks debate even after 75 years.
Interestingly, Corbet wrote this film during Trump’s presidency, a time when there was a push to “make federal buildings beautiful again.” He pointed out how new buildings often face immediate backlash, similar to how communities react to new neighbors.
Corbet believes the immigrant experience and artistic expression are intertwined. The film shows an artist fighting for his place in the community, which resonates deeply.
After the passing of Scott Walker, who often collaborated with Corbet, composer Daniel Blumberg stepped in to create the film’s score. Despite the small budget, the music adds a rich layer to the film, enhancing its emotional depth.
Corbet also plays with audience expectations, especially with Jones’ character. She doesn’t fit the typical mold of the woman left behind. Instead, her introduction is unexpected, adding depth to the story.
Corbet aims to challenge viewers, making them think rather than spoon-feeding them information. He wants his films to linger in the audience’s minds long after they leave the theater, which he believes is the true difference between art and mere content.
The Brutalist is set to hit theaters in Toronto on December 25, with wider releases in January. It’s definitely one to watch!