‘The Brutalist,’ directed by Brady Corbet, is a period drama that chronicles the life of László Tóth, a Hungarian-Jewish architect and Holocaust survivor who emigrates to the USA in pursuit of the American Dream.
Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones and Guy Pearce were all great. Brody’s portrayal of László Tóth was nuanced and compelling as a standout element of the film.
The film uses a technology called VistaVision which contributes to the expansive and immersive aesthetic, resulting in a richer visual experience that captures the grandeur of the post-war architectural designs central to the themes. These themes of ambition, identity, and survival are seen through both macro and micro perspectives.
From a macroscale perspective, the architecture and society serve as a metaphor for the societal structures that shape the lives of immigrants like László Tóth. The large-scale, imposing buildings reflect the weight of history, ambition, and societal expectations.
The film uses a microscale angle to highlight the personal struggles and interpersonal dynamics of the characters. The micro perspective delves into the intimate aspects of his life, contrasting the monumental scale of his work. In addition, the meticulous attention to architectural details and the micro-level focus on textures, materials, and design choices symbolizes his struggle to maintain artistic integrity in a commercial world.
The range of lighting techniques to evoke the emotional landscape and thematic concerns of the characters. For instance, there is emphasis on the contrasts between light and shadow, symbolizing the protagonist’s internal conflicts and the societal challenges.
The script is solid and the element of foreshadowing is employed to weave a sense of anticipation and unease, enhancing the tension that leads to a powerful climax.
Overall, the expansive settings and overarching themes of societal ambition are brought into sharp focus through the intimate lens of László’s personal story. This duality creates a layered narrative that resonates deeply, making ‘The Brutalist’ a wonderful film about the human condition and resilience.