The Brutalist

Divide to Conquer?

“The Brutalist” by Brady Corbet — All Rights Reserved

Dear Readers,

I know that the thread of my publications may seem unpredictable — articles, novels, poems, reflections… But after all, don’t they say that where there’s discomfort, there’s no pleasure?

So, what is the common thread? Quite simply, the desire to share with you what moves me, challenges me, or makes me think.

A few days ago, I watched “The Brutalist”, and as a film enthusiast, I felt the urge to share my analysis and thoughts with you.

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The Brutalist — Brady Corbet

Whether you follow cinema closely or from a distance, there’s a good chance this film has caught your attention, given the accolades it’s garnered since its premiere at the Venice Film Festival in 2024.

With around 110 awards and 310 nominations, it ranks among the top 10 films of the year. Given the buzz, I was eager to discover whether The Brutalist lived up to its reputation.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t a hit for me, and here’s why.

A Matter of Perspective

Opinions, like anything else, are personal — everyone has theirs. So who am I to judge what makes a good film? The real question might be, can a good film fail to resonate? That’s the nuance I want to highlight.

The story, in a nutshell: László Tóth, a Hungarian architect, flees his country after the Holocaust, leaving behind his wife and niece to try his luck in America. There, he reconnects with a cousin turned entrepreneur and meets a wealthy Pennsylvania industrialist who will change his fate.

So, what didn’t work for me?
Perhaps my expectations were misplaced. When a film wins so many awards, you expect to be captivated, regardless of style. However, I couldn’t connect with its aesthetics, the structure of its narrative, or the themes it explored.

In fact, I’m not even sure I understood the connection between the title and the film’s message. I sense certain intentions, notably the choice to suggest rather than explain, leaving the viewer to interpret freely.

The Brutalist tackles powerful subjects: war, the Holocaust, exile, family, ambition, drug addiction, religion, modernism, architecture… But the film accumulates these themes without truly delving into them, which dilutes its impact rather than giving it depth.

A Demanding - Even Frustrating Film

Throughout the film, I felt a sense of injustice, pitying the main character — though he never explicitly asks for it.

And that’s likely the director’s intent: to keep us in the dark about his torment, as we never truly step into his shoes.

In reality, the viewer is more likely to relate to the antagonist, the patron whose fate depends on the hero. This is a real strength of the film, but also what left me unsatisfied: the feeling of helplessness in a narrative that offers no answers and leaves room for interpretation.

I’m convinced that it’s one of those films that requires reflection, even a second viewing. Perhaps my opinion will change with time. But honestly, the idea of revisiting 3.5 hours of reinforced concrete doesn’t excite me.

An Impeccable Cast

While The Brutalist didn’t convince me on the story front, it’s impossible not to acknowledge the exceptional performances of its actors.

Adrien Brody, with his facial expressions, gestures, and accent, bears the weight of his universe on his shoulders. Guy Pearce plays an eccentric industrialist whose true face we’re constantly waiting to see, revealing his nature through unsettling scenes.

And of course, I have to mention Felicity Jones, who plays Erzsébet, László’s wife. Despite her role in the background, she embodies feminine resilience in a world of vain men.

Conclusion

There’s something for everyone, and this cinema is probably not what resonates with me the most. Slowness, demand, frustration… Much like Paul Thomas Anderson’s work, which I do admire.

Looking back, I recognize the technical merits of the film, but it didn’t captivate me. Maybe a second viewing will change my perspective in a few years.

In the meantime, if you enjoy conceptual auteur films and cinematic experiences off the beaten path, I encourage you to give it a try.

And you, what did you think? Did this film leave a lasting impression on you or leave you puzzled? I’m curious to read your thoughts in the comments!

Thanks for reading!