SummaryEscaping post-war Europe, visionary architect László Toth (Adrien Brody) arrives in America to rebuild his life, his work, and his marriage to his wife Erzsébet (Felicity Jones) after being forced apart during wartime by shifting borders and regimes. On his own in a strange new country, László settles in Pennsylvania, where the wealthy a...
SummaryEscaping post-war Europe, visionary architect László Toth (Adrien Brody) arrives in America to rebuild his life, his work, and his marriage to his wife Erzsébet (Felicity Jones) after being forced apart during wartime by shifting borders and regimes. On his own in a strange new country, László settles in Pennsylvania, where the wealthy a...
A three hour and thirty minute biopic about art, history, money, sex, trauma and concrete, it’s heavyweight in every sense: a monument to its own greatness that stands a good distance from anything else you’re likely to see at the cinema this year.
Brady Corbet's unique vision, which tells the story of a broken and failed American dream through an unforgettable main character and the spaces he aspires to create, brings to the screen a truly magnificent movie. It explores the decades following World War II and the consequences faced by those who leave their homeland to survive in the merciless United States of America during the 1950s. The choice to shoot the motion picture in VistaVision technology, widely used in the film industry of the era depicted, immerses the viewer in the historical atmosphere. This, combined with historical accuracy and the grandeur of the scenes, enhances the experience. As the film progresses and the story unfolds around Van Buren's ambitious architectural project, Lázsló's evolution, and the eventual arrival of Erzsebét, the soundtrack evolves in the same rhythm. Daniel Blumberg’s carefully crafted production techniques engage the audience and heighten the film's historical atmosphere. The directorial elements, along with the original score and high-quality cinematography, are not the only factors that make this film fantastic. The exceptional cast—particularly Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, and Guy Pierce—brings the characters to life and gives them soul, making this a truly unique experience. Additionally, Lázsló’s dedication to his art, his vision of crafting enduring structures, and the inherent struggle between creativity and survival are central to the film’s emotional depth. The combination of all these elements proves that The Brutalist is a remarkable masterpiece. We haven’t seen a production of this level of artistry and excellence in decades.
The Brutalist unfolds like an epic, grand-scale biopic, even though László Tóth is a fictional character, Adrien Brody delivers such a mesmerizing performance that he feels entirely real, anchoring the film with depth and conviction, for its ambitious 3 hour and 30 minute runtime, Brady Corbet meticulous direction keeps the narrative engaging and easy to follow, never allowing the story to feel sluggish or overindulgent, the way The Brutalist explores ambition, art, and resilience against the backdrop of post-war America makes it a deeply compelling experience, brought to life by a stellar ensemble cast, including Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, and Joe Alwyn, with its striking cinematography, powerful performances, and masterful storytelling, The Brutalist is not only a remarkable achievement but easily one of the best films of the year.
The magisterial (yet also often funny) performances from virtually every member of the cast, the rigor which with it explores complex characters and ideas, and the sheer painterly beauty of its compositions make this one of the few movies this year I almost immediately went back to see for a second time.
Though not for everyone, it’s a film that can justifiably be described as “epic” in ambition and design. And, wouldn’t you know, ambition and design are precisely what the movie’s about.
Maybe it’s too early in his career for Corbet to reach for a ring this big and this brassy. Yet “The Brutalist” earns its weight in the telling, if not in cumulative impact or meaning.
With its clean lines and precise assembly, it's nearly devoid of fundamental practicalities, and, so, remains an idea for a movie about ideas, an outline for a drama that's still in search of its characters.
It’s been so long since I last saw a movie like this: jaw-droppingly human, beautiful and deep yet absent of any condescension or cliche.
A 3.5 hour spellbinding experience for whoever claims to love cinema.
¿Por dónde comenzar?, película que debe reunir ciertos elementos y un check list para ser políticamente correcta y cumplir los estándares poco variados de los oscar... tal vez??; ya se: hagamos una interpretación de un pobrecito inmigrante (judio para variar por supuesto), que llega a la Nueva York de los finales de los años 40, además en la postguerra; además agreguemos un tinte de poeta maldito para sea más seguro el oscar. Eso en resumen es esta cinta. No aporta nada nuevo. Dura más de 3 horas sin que se sienta ningún progreso ni en los personajes y casi que ni en la misma película. Como siempre: ricos muy malos y pobres muy buenos. Y esta lejisimos de ser trasgresor y antisistema, creo que más bien es un súbdito a las ideas del capitalismo en sus planteamientos. Lo más grave es la falta completa de relación con el nombre del Brutalista; donde quedó la arquitectura, donde quedó la academia y las decenas de obras resaltantes de esta corriente. Nada, Solo melodrama y nada más. Casi que nos ponen un letrero arriba de la pantalla donde debería decir: en este momento debes llorar y sentir compasión. Resaltable el papel del villano con su ceño fruncido y su perspicacia a flor de piel, buscando siempre la sumisión y trascender más allá de lo material sin poseer nada más que mucho dinero. Pero me pregunto, en verdad le genera sufrimiento, porque pareciera que no. Conclusión:una película lenta,muy lenta, que ya hemos visto decenas de veces, un melodrama sin drama. un sabor ácido me dejo. y no porque sea transgresora, tal vez lo único transgresor es que contenido poco tiene que ver con su título.
Directed with precision, a restrained yet ambitious exploration of art, exile, and identity. Displaying a stark yet evocative world, where every frame is carefully composed to enhance its themes. Director's most poetic choice is the use of character connections through indirect dialogues instead of direct exchanges, allowing emotions to linger beyond physical presence. This, combined with a masterful interplay of close-ups and wide shots, reinforces intimacy in confinement and isolation in expansiveness, making each visual shift deeply expressive.Adrien Brody delivers a performance of remarkable emotional depth, effortlessly navigating the complexities of his character’s arc. His ability to convey vulnerability and resilience with subtlety ensures a deep connection with the audience, making his portrayal both compelling and **** cinematography is striking, with a deliberate use of architectural symmetry, shapes, and geometry in framing, only to contrast it with unstable, handheld shots that heighten emotional intensity. This visual interplay creates a dynamic tension, making the experience aesthetically captivating and viscerally engaging. The screenplay unfolds methodically, weaving a narrative that highlights the gritty intersections of personal ambition and professional sacrifice. It presents a raw and immersive portrayal of an artist’s evolving identity and struggles. The film’s pacing demands patience, rewarding attentive viewers with layered character development and thematic depth. This non-linear storytelling enhances the emotional impact, reinforcing how the weight of history shapes the course of one’s artistic journey. The sound design and score play a crucial role in shaping the film’s emotional rhythm. Retro musical choices provide moments of nostalgia and relief, easing viewers into the narrative while preparing them for the more emotionally resonant sequences that follow. A key technical highlight in The Brutalist is the integration of VistaVision, this format plays a crucial role in enhancing the film’s visual language, particularly in its depiction of architecture and character-driven moments. The crisp detail and rich depth allow the intricate textures of buildings, interiors, and urban landscapes to stand out, reinforcing the protagonist’s relationship with his surroundings. Additionally, the format's clarity brings out subtle facial expressions, making the film’s restrained emotional beats feel even more intimate.
Exceptional opening and first 1/4th of the entire movie that devolves into mediocrity and generic fare. The fact that it’s not a true story but presents itself as one, makes it all the worse. Adrian Brody is a great actor, no doubt.
I watched Brutalist and really appreciated its artistic aspects, especially in terms of architecture. The lead actor delivered a great performance, but unfortunately, his talent felt wasted alongside the rest of the cast. The second half of the film was a complete mess—it introduced a bunch of random themes that were neither well-developed nor properly concluded. Overall, I found the director’s work to be a waste of time, and I wouldn’t recommend watching it. If you like Adrien Brody, you’re better off watching his other films.