Though this movie is fictional, it still rings accurately and genuinely about the immigrant experience of people escaping hardships and atrocities from their homes and seeking the promises of the American dream. Writer/director Brady Corbett and co-writer Mona Fastvold tell the story of László Tóth (Adrien Brody), a gifted artisan and architect whose life with his wife and family get upended by the Jewish Holocaust and World War II. Separated from his loves, László manages to escape one nightmare and travel to the United States via ship to establish a new life where he can eventually bring his family to a safer place.
The film follows his struggles as an immigrant, where he does hard labor to survive but gets a golden opportunity when a rich and powerful man named Harrison Lee (Guy Pearce) recognizes his talents and allows him to design and build something worthy of his gifts. This massive project eventually turns into a nightmarish disaster. Though Lee initially seems like a genuine benefactor, the truth is revealed that he wishes to exploit László’s talents and begins treating him less than humanely.
At 215 minutes, this epic story might intimidate some people; however, once one experiences it, it is easy to see why this movie needs to be as large as it is. It helps that there is an intermission between the two main parts of the story because I never grew tired of watching this beautiful and haunting movie. Every minute of it is riveting and beautiful. The cinematography, alone, should be taught in film schools. The score by Daniel Blumberg is some of the best music I have experienced in cinema this year.
Also, the acting of the entire cast is tremendous. But before I get to that, I must also laud the outstanding writing and development of this movie’s story and characters. I was blown away by The Brutalist‘s storytelling and how it is presented. Though the story is a period piece, it is still relevant today. The American dream does not guarantee a life free of worries, fears, stress, or prejudice. The filmmakers present this concept exceptionally and in some subtle and not-so-subtle ways.
Returning to the cinematography, as epic as the scope of the visuals can be at times, the more intimate and personal moments are still beautifully captured for the big screen. These scenes are where the performances by the cast shine so brightly. Adrien Brody performs superbly as László Tóth, a genius architect with bold and incredible visions for his work and the skills to see them to fruition. He also has weaknesses and insecurities, often threatening to destroy all he can accomplish.
At the same time, he must contend with the oppression of those in power, and while some of these people give him excellent opportunities, they also take his gifts for granted, and their prejudices eventually manifest in some gruesome ways.
Also impressive in this film are the performances of Felicity Jones, who portrays Erzsébet Tóth, László’s disabled wife who eventually can get to America where she discovers that the American dream is not always a better life. Also outstanding in this movie is Guy Pearce, who stars as the egomaniacal and powerful Harrison Lee, a man who initially seems like he wants to help the Tóth family but harms them in some truly horrible ways.
The Brutalist is my number-one film of 2024. It is an example of how epic and amazing dramatic cinema can be. It is not only a gorgeous spectacle to behold on the big screen, but it is also a powerful and relevant piece of storytelling that displays the skills of everyone involved.