Brady Corbet’s new film “The Brutalist” is impressing viewers and critics alike at the Venice Film Festival. The 215-minute historical drama tells the story of an architect and his wife navigating post-World War II America as they rebuild their lives.
Corbet directed and co-wrote the screenplay with Mona Fastvold. At over three hours long, the film includes an overture and intermission, challenging typical runtime norms. However, Corbet believes the story deserves this length. “For me, it’s about how much story there is to tell,” he said.
The movie stars Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones as László and Erzsébet Toth, the architect and his wife. It also features Guy Pearce as a wealthy client who impacts their journey. Brody’s performance in particular is garnering praise, with some predicting it could earn him awards recognition including an Oscar nomination.
Shot in 70mm film, “The Brutalist” uses an intricate style compared to epics like “There Will Be Blood” and “Once Upon a Time in America.” Cinematographer Lol Crawley brings the historical period and architectural details to life. Early reviews are overwhelmingly positive about the film’s artistic vision and scope.
One French critic said they “would be shocked if this doesn’t win the Golden Lion,” Venice’s top prize. Brody explained how playing his character connects to his own family history as the son of a Hungarian immigrant. The film explores political themes like fleeing fascism only to face capitalism in America.
Focus Features has acquired international distribution rights, a sign that industry executives support Corbet’s bold directorial effort. As the festival continues, “The Brutalist” is gaining attention for its willingness to challenge conventions and immersive storytelling. Corbet’s seven years of work on the film appear to have paid off through this acclaimed world premiere.
