Independent film studio A24 has acquired the distribution rights to Brady Corbet’s new historical drama “The Brutalist.” The nearly three-and-a-half hour film tells the story of Hungarian-born architect László Tóth and his career in post-World War II America. “The Brutalist” premiered at the Venice Film Festival where it won Best Director for Corbet.
The film follows Tóth, played by Adrien Brody, as he flees Hungary after the war ends. Tóth hopes to rebuild his life and career in the United States. However, he initially struggles in poverty upon arriving. His life changes when he receives a career-making commission from wealthy industrialist Harrison Lee Van Buren, portrayed by Guy Pearce. The next three decades see Tóth navigate the complex relationship between his architectural vision and the demands of his influential patron.
Felicity Jones co-stars as Tóth’s wife Erzsébet. Joe Alwyn plays Van Buren’s unpredictable son. Other supporting roles include Raffey Cassidy, Stacy Martin, Emma Laird, Isaach De Bankolé, and Alessandro Nivola. “The Brutalist” marks Corbet’s most extensive directorial work to date both in its broad scope and thought-provoking subject matter.
The film’s title refers to the Brutalist architecture movement that emerged after WWII. This style used bold concrete designs and a stark, unyielding aesthetic. However, Corbet aims less to portray this specific style than the “post-war psychology” that shaped it. Corbet sees parallels between the post-war artistic experience and immigrant experience. Some debate the film’s length at nearly three hours. But Corbet argues criticizing a film’s runtime is “quite silly,” comparing it to novel lengths.
Corbet’s portrayal of the architect’s relationship with his wealthy patron is said to provide a powerful metaphor of the tension between art and commerce. With its epic scale, daring formal techniques, and thoughtful themes, “The Brutalist” looks to make a big impact this awards season for Corbet, Brody, and A24.
