Brady Corbet's film The Brutalist continues to make waves at the box office, securing its place as one of the most acclaimed movies of 2024. After recently receiving 10 nominations at the 97th Academy Awards, including nods for Best Picture and Best Director, the film significantly expanded its domestic theatrical footprint this weekend. It successfully made the jump from limited release, where it had been playing for over a month, to major market visibility, now screening at over 1,100 theaters.
During this expansive sixth weekend, The Brutalist earned $2.8 million, bringing its total domestic earnings to $9.3 million. For those who have closely followed the film’s development, it marks a major milestone, especially considering its reported production budget of under $10 million. The film also achieved impressive international box office results, garnering just over $2 million overseas, resulting in early global receipts of approximately $11 million.
The timing of this success is noteworthy; it came just days after the film’s accolades were publicly announced. The film was produced by A24, which has made headlines not just for its marketing strategies but also for its innovative use of technology. Some controversy has arisen due to reports stating the filmmakers utilized artificial intelligence tools to enrich the film, raising questions about the ethics surrounding AI's role in the creative process. Nevertheless, director Corbet has emphasized the challenging path it took to bring The Brutalist to life, characterizing the film as a labor of love.
At 215 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission, this epic period drama showcases sprawling production values often expected from higher-budget films. Notably, it is also presented in IMAX 70mm format, marketed as an event film. It initially opened to excellent responses at the Venice Film Festival, where Corbet seized the Silver Lion for Best Director. Rotten Tomatoes reflects its high standard with a 93% rating, underscoring the film’s acclaim among audiences and critics alike.
The film stars Adrien Brody as visionary architect László Toth, who, alongside his wife Erzsébet, escapes Europe with hopes of rebuilding their lives and legacy. Their story takes unexpected twists after crossing paths with a wealthy, mysterious client, intertwining ambition with the difficulties faced upon moving to America. Brody's performance has garnered him a Best Actor nomination, and he reinforces his status as one of the industry’s top talents more than twenty years after winning the Oscar for his portrayal of the title character in The Pianist.
Interestingly, The Brutalist is tied for the most Academy Award nominations this year alongside another major contender, Wicked. The film also made strides across the pond, earning nine BAFTA nominations, highlighting its international acclaim. It has been recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the ten best films of 2024, adding to its burgeoning list of accolades.
Currently, The Brutalist competes with other Oscar-nominated films at the box office. For example, Timothée Chalamet's film A Complete Unknown holds position no. 8 at 2,010 locations with $3.1 million over the weekend, whereas James Mangold’s Bob Dylan biopic has accrued $62.9 million to date after also earning eight Oscar nominations, showcasing the competitive environment for viewers’ attention.
Notably, the success of The Brutalist mirrors the combination of strong performances and engaging storylines typically sought after by audiences. Corbet's work is being heralded as not only commercially viable but as artful storytelling as well, as moviegoers are drawn to the mix of history, emotional depth, and stunning visuals.
Although the audience enjoys the cinematic experience of The Brutalist, one can also observe how marketing strategies play a role. A24 has successfully created buzz around the film, transforming it from limited screenings to what many are labeling as a ‘must-see’ event. The broad appeal of the film is aided by its unique storytelling and distinguished cinematography.
Adding to the buzz, the film's screenings feature audience-interaction elements, aiming to deepen engagement with its historical themes and emotional arcs. It is no surprise, then, why it has become both critically lauded and popular with moviegoers eager for quality cinema. The adaptations of cinematic techniques, such as the use of IMAX 70mm, also render it captivating for those interested not just in the narrative but also the overall experience of filmmaking.
Indeed, the remarkable success of The Brutalist at this juncture suggests its potential sustainability at the box office. Audience reactions paired with festival accolades provide strong indicators for its longevity and impact, especially leading up to the Oscars. Whether it earns subsequent awards recognition or not, Corbet’s film has already carved its niche within the 2024 cinematic history books.
For now, The Brutalist is living up to its namesake, solidifying both its box office achievements and its artistic merit. The film industry will undoubtedly keep its eyes on this powerhouse as it navigates the final weeks leading up to the Academy Awards.