The Brutalist has emerged as one of the most talked-about films of 2024, boasting ten nominations for the upcoming Oscars. Directed by Brady Corbet, this three-and-a-half-hour historical drama is ambitious yet polarizing, commanding attention for its high-stakes depiction of László Tóth, played by Adrien Brody, who is painfully trying to navigate the harsh waters of post-World War II America. Even as it garners accolades for its stunning cinematography and thoughtful storytelling, the film faces significant pushback for its interpretation of nuanced social issues.
The narrative centers on Tóth, who is portrayed as both a Holocaust survivor and a skilled architect attempting to rebuild his life after the war. His story begins upon his arrival in America, where he struggles to assimilate not only culturally but also economically. László’s interactions with the wealthy capitalist Harrison Lee Van Buren, played by Guy Pearce, serve as the film's pivotal relationship, epitomizing the complex dynamics of patronage, power, and artistic integrity.
The film's portrayal of László Tóth's struggles speaks to larger themes of survival, identity, and the elusive grasp of the American dream. "The Brutalist is about how Toth is buffeted by forces larger and more destructive than he as he attempts to survive and thrive..." said one reviewer, highlighting the emotional undercurrents of this epic story.
Yet, the film has not gone without controversy. Critics have pointed out significant historical inaccuracies and emotional misrepresentations. The narrative has been called "spectacularly—and offensively—false" by some scholars who argue it fails to represent the Jewish experience accurately, particularly how it suggests many Holocaust survivors found America unwelcoming. "I do not know of a single case of a Holocaust survivor who came to America who made aliyah to Israel because they found America unbearable," said one critic, emphasizing the historical misinterpretation inherent in the film.
Performances from the entire cast, especially Brody as László and Pearce as Van Buren, have been praised highly. Their emotional depth and multifaceted portrayals resonate well with the audience. A particularly notable moment is the dramatic confrontation featuring Erzsébet (Felicity Jones) accusing Van Buren of horrific acts against her husband. Pearce described this as important: "The point is... he would... disappear, evaporate." This consequential and bewildering scene has left many viewers questioning the fate of Van Buren, leading to myriad theories about the character's dramatic exit.
Felicity Jones’ performance adds another layer to the story. Her character shows resilience and strength through adversity. Brody commented, "The power of love and dynamic is so moving to me, and very honest," referring to the powerful scenes encapsulating the struggle within the Tóth family. Their journeys of trauma, resilience, and the yearning for acceptance serve as powerful emotional beats throughout the film.
Despite recognizing the film's artistic achievements, some critiques target its length and pacing, describing it as often dragging. Some have criticized Corbet's stylistic choices, cautiously advocating for clarity amid the grand ambition. "The Brutalist’s big animatronic moment isn’t subtle – but then subtle gestures wouldn’t really suit the film," noted one reviewer, emphasizing the film’s imposing nature.
Overall, Corbet has clearly aimed for greatness, and the mere fact the film was crafted with such bold storytelling underlines its impact. "The Brutalist" stands as both artistic triumph and controversial commentary on the American experience. Whether it secures the accolades it seeks at the Oscars or ignites lasting debate on its artistic merit remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure—this film has sparked conversations about both its content and the broader themes it endeavors to address.