Directed by Brady Corbet, the epic post-war drama The Brutalist continues its successful run at the box office, showcasing demanding themes and impressive performances. Starring Adrien Brody as the visionary architect and American Dream-chaser László Toth, the film has racked up 10 Academy Award nominations and holds a "fresh" 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. With over $18 million earned within just two weeks of its release, it has made quite the impact.
Since its debut, The Brutalist has impressed audiences both critically and commercially. During the past weekend alone, the film garnered just under $2 million, leading its domestic total to reach approximately $12 million. This achievement has secured its place among the top 25 A24 films in domestic box office history, surpassing the success of Ti West's 2022 horror film X. With its current momentum, industry analysts speculate the film could climb even higher, possibly breaking the top 20 and surpassing another West project, MaXXXine.
Brody's performance has garnered significant attention, celebrated as one of his best since winning the Academy Award for The Pianist back in 2003. Ross Bonaime, writing for Collider, raved, "From the opening where he first steps off the ship to the last moments when we get to see his true vision, it’s an unforgettable performance..." The film’s weighty themes require powerful performances, and Brody, alongside Felicity Jones and Guy Pearce, delivers with mesmerizing authenticity.
Beyond the engaging storyline and the performances, The Brutalist is noted for its ambitious runtime of three hours and 35 minutes, featuring a 15-minute intermission—an unusual length for modern cinema. This bold decision enhances the storytelling experience, contributing to the film's epic status.
The film is more than just box office success; it carries emotional weight, particularly highlighted through its dedication to the musician Scott Walker, who died before Corbet began work on the film. The closing credits state, "in memory of Scott Walker," recognizing the significant influence Walker had on Corbet personally and professionally.
Corbet, who has made incredible strides as a director after establishing himself as an actor, reflects on Walker's impact: "Scott is a major inspiration for me and always has been; that's why I asked him to do the score for my first film," he shared, emphasizing their shared artistic values. Their connection flourished through their collaborations, including 2016's The Childhood of a Leader, which featured Walker's scoring work.
Corbet's tribute to Walker is reflective of the artist's adventurous spirit, which parallels the themes within The Brutalist. Walker himself evolved from the pop group The Walker Brothers to becoming a highly influential avant-garde musician known for his innovative soundscapes and unorthodox creative endeavors. Corbet's choice to honor Walker speaks to his deep respect for the late musician's legacy and his own artistic aspirations.
Following Walker's passing, Corbet faced the challenge of creating a score for The Brutalist without the contributions of his close collaborator. Lamenting the loss, Corbet remarked, "There’s just no way to replicate what Scott does," yet he was determined to deliver equally powerful musical accompaniment for the film. Daniel Blumberg joined the project's musical leadership, supported by Peter Walsh, who had collaborated extensively with Walker. Blumberg drew inspiration from witnessing Walker and Walsh’s creative synergy.
Blumberg expressed the importance of his relationship with Walsh, stating, "I thought there was some overlap with how I improvise," highlighting how such influences can shape artistic expression. While Walker’s absence was palpable, the score was crafted to honor his style, bringing the spirit of collaboration and innovation to the forefront.
With its rich narrative and emotional depth, The Brutalist has set the stage for potential accolades during the 2024 awards season. If it continues its upward trend at the box office, it may be poised to achieve the same historical significance as other acclaimed A24 films, such as Everything Everywhere All At Once, and could become one of the highest-grossing films from the studio. With audiences eager to engage with this thought-provoking epic, viewers can now catch the film in theaters and witness the artistry behind this remarkable cinematic experience.