35 Facts About The Brutalist (Movie)

The Brutalist: A Cinematic Masterpiece

The Brutalist is a 2024 epic historical drama that has captured the attention of film enthusiasts worldwide. Directed by Brady Corbet, this film delves into the life of a Hungarian-born Jewish architect and his journey through post-war America. Let's explore some fascinating facts about this monumental film.

1. Director and Screenwriter
   Brady Corbet, known for his bold filmmaking style, directed and co-wrote the screenplay for The Brutalist with Mona Fastvold.

2. Production Companies
   The film is an international co-production between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Hungary, produced by Andrew Lauren Productions (ALP) and other entities.

3. Cast
   The ensemble cast includes Adrien Brody as László Tóth, Felicity Jones as Erzsébet Tóth, Guy Pearce as Harrison Lee Van Buren, Joe Alwyn as Harry Lee Van Buren, Stacy Martin as Maggie Van Buren, Alessandro Nivola as Attila, Isaach De Bankolé as Gordon, Raffey Cassidy as Zsófia, Emma Laird as Audrey, and Jonathan Hyde.

Plot and Themes

The Brutalist offers a rich narrative that spans three decades, exploring themes of ambition, creativity, and the struggle for artistic integrity.

4. Plot Summary
   The film chronicles 30 years in the life of László Tóth, a Hungarian-born Jewish architect who survived the Holocaust. After World War II, he emigrated to the United States with his wife Erzsébet to pursue the "American dream." Their lives are significantly altered by a mysterious and wealthy client, Harrison Lee Van Buren.

5. Inspiration and Themes
   The main thematic reference for The Brutalist is Ayn Rand’s "The Fountainhead." The film explores themes of ambition, creativity, and the struggle to maintain artistic integrity in a challenging environment.

6. Historical Context
   The story is set in the post-war era, focusing on the experiences of a Hungarian-born architect in the United States. This historical context provides a rich backdrop for exploring themes of immigration, identity, and the birth of modern America.

Visuals and Cinematography

The Brutalist is a visual feast, employing unique techniques to enhance the storytelling experience.

7. Cinematography and Visuals
   The film was shot using VistaVision cameras and projected in glorious 70mm format at the Venice International Film Festival. This unique presentation enhances the cinematic experience, showcasing the film's grand visual narrative.

8. Filming Locations
   The film was shot in Budapest, Hungary, and in Carrara, Italy. These locations add to the film's authenticity, capturing the architectural and cultural nuances of the period.

9. Cinematographer
   Lol Crawley is the cinematographer behind The Brutalist. His work on the film has been praised for its sweeping visual storytelling and unconventional camera angles, which effectively convey the emotional depth of the narrative.

10. Visual Storytelling
    The film employs sweeping visual storytelling and unconventional camera angles to convey the emotional depth of the narrative. This approach creates a sense of dread and tension, particularly in scenes involving train tracks and explosions.

Music and Sound

The film's score plays a crucial role in building the emotional landscape of the story.

11. Music Composition
    Daniel Blumberg composed the music for The Brutalist. His score blends exhilaration with disquiet, incorporating striking symphonic fragments to build and release tension throughout the film.

Performances and Characters

The Brutalist features powerful performances from its cast, bringing depth and complexity to the characters.

12. Cast Performances
    Adrien Brody's performance as László Tóth is being hailed as one of the best works of his career. Guy Pearce and Felicity Jones are also receiving critical acclaim for their roles in the film.

13. Character Development
    The characters in The Brutalist are complex and multi-dimensional. László’s journey from survival to success is deeply intertwined with his relationship with his wife Erzsébet and the mysterious client Harrison Lee Van Buren.

Awards and Recognition

The Brutalist has already garnered significant attention and accolades from the film community.

14. Premiere and Festivals
    The Brutalist premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2024, in-competition for the Golden Lion. It is also set to play at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, 2024.

15. Awards and Nominations
    The film has received one nomination at the Venice Film Festival for the Golden Lion. The Venice Film Festival is one of the most prestigious film festivals globally, making this nomination significant.

16. Golden Lion Contender
    Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist is being hailed as a "masterful" and "monumental cinema." It is considered a strong contender for the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, with many critics predicting it will win the award.

17. Oscar Potential
    Adrien Brody’s performance in The Brutalist is being praised as one of the best works of his career. This critical acclaim suggests he may receive an Oscar nomination for his role.

Production Details

The making of The Brutalist involved meticulous planning and execution to bring this epic story to life.

18. Production Challenges
    Filming took place for a total of 34 days between March 16 and May 5, 2023. Despite the short production period, the film's ambition and scope are evident in its final product.

19. Running Time
    The Brutalist has a running time of 215 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission. This extended runtime allows for a detailed and immersive storytelling experience.

Cultural and Historical Impact

The Brutalist not only tells a compelling story but also offers commentary on broader cultural and historical themes.

20. Cultural Significance
    The film embodies a kind of imaginative space dedicated to the communal experience of cinema—a venue for gathering and expressing gratitude. It requires patience and a significant investment of time, but it offers a unique cinematic experience.

21. Architectural Influence
    The film's title, "The Brutalist," refers to the architectural movement that emerged in the UK during the post-war reconstruction era. This influence is not the primary focus of the film but adds to its thematic depth.

22. Historical Accuracy
    The film's historical accuracy is notable, particularly in its portrayal of post-war Europe and the early years of modern America. This accuracy adds to the film's authenticity and emotional impact.

23. Cultural Debate
    The film touches on the debate about traditional film versus digital expression. This theme is reflected in the characters' differing views on photography and filmmaking techniques.

24. Architectural Landmarks
    The story involves Marcus, an aficionado of Leicester’s Brutalist landmarks, who reflects on the changing attitudes towards this architectural style over time. This subplot adds a layer of cultural commentary to the film.

Filmmaking Style and Legacy

Brady Corbet's unique approach to filmmaking has left a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike.

25. Filmmaking Style
    Brady Corbet’s filmmaking style is characterized by bold choices and innovative storytelling. This approach is evident in his use of unconventional camera angles and sweeping visual narratives.

26. Collaborative Effort
    The Brutalist is a collaborative effort between Brady Corbet and Mona Fastvold. Their partnership has resulted in a screenplay that is both classically inspired and uniquely innovative.

27. Cinematic Experience
    The Brutalist requires patience and a significant investment of time. However, it offers a unique cinematic experience that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.

28. Legacy
    The Brutalist is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the world of cinema. Its ambition, scope, and unique visual presentation make it a standout film that will be remembered for years to come.

Additional Insights

Here are some more intriguing aspects of The Brutalist that add to its depth and appeal.

29. Comparison to Other Films
    The Brutalist is being compared to other epic films like Paul Thomas Anderson’s "There Will Be Blood" and Sergio Leone’s "Once Upon A Time in America." These comparisons highlight the film's ambition and scope.

30. Emotional Journey
    The film chronicles László's ascent, decline, and eventual resurgence. It serves as a brief history of the latter half of the 20th century, focusing on the personal and professional struggles of its protagonist.

31. Thematic Balance
    The film balances discussion points about how the past and present are structured with unconventional themes. This balance creates an engaging narrative that explores both historical and personal contexts.

32. Cultural Commentary
    The film provides cultural commentary on the changing attitudes towards different architectural styles and the ongoing debate about traditional film versus digital expression. This commentary adds depth to the narrative, making it more engaging and thought-provoking.

33. Short Film vs. Feature Film
    To avoid confusion, it is important to note that there is another short film titled "The Brutalist" directed by Joe Burden, which explores themes related to Brutalist architecture. However, the focus here is on Brady Corbet's feature film.

34. Cultural Impact
    The film embodies a kind of imaginative space dedicated to the communal experience of cinema—a venue for gathering and expressing gratitude. It represents a significant cultural impact by pushing the boundaries of storytelling and visual presentation.

35. Architectural Influence
    The film's title, "The Brutalist," refers to the architectural movement that emerged in the UK during the post-war reconstruction era. This influence is not the primary focus of the film but adds to its thematic depth.

The Brutalist's Impact on Cinema

"The Brutalist" stands out as a monumental film in 2024. Directed by Brady Corbet, it dives deep into the life of László Tóth, a Hungarian-born Jewish architect. With a star-studded cast including Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, and Guy Pearce, the film offers a gripping narrative set against the backdrop of post-war America. Its unique visual presentation, shot in 70mm, and a compelling score by Daniel Blumberg, make it a cinematic experience like no other. Premiering at the Venice International Film Festival and competing for the Golden Lion, "The Brutalist" has already garnered critical acclaim. Its exploration of ambition, creativity, and artistic integrity resonates deeply, making it a must-watch. As it continues to make waves at film festivals, "The Brutalist" is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the world of cinema.