The realities of the American dream can be nothing short of brutal.
Directed and co-written by Brady Corbet, The Brutalist tells the story of László Toth (Adrien Brody), an immigrant seeking freedom from post-WWII Europe on American shores. Separated from his wife, Erzsébet (Felicity Jones), László attempts to build a new life in New York as an architect so that he might reunite with his beloved. After initially struggling to survive, László meets Harrison Lee Van Buren (Guy Pearce), a wealthy man with money to burn who is interested in hiring him for his services. However, as their relationship unfolds, László discovers that building a new life in a world of toxic privilege can draw blood from one’s soul.
Visually, Corbet has creating something truly stunning. Featuring slow pans and static cameras, the viewer is meant to sit in each space, allowing the world to wash over them. Using cool colours, Corbet introduces us to a world that is both cold and teeming with life. What’s more, the sheer depth of scope of the architecture gives the film a sweeping quality, emphasizing the enormity of the buildings while also highlighting the emptiness inside. As a result, it becomes a world that feels both welcoming and inhospitable to newcomers as the director works to disseminate the falsehoods of the American dream.
But much attention also needs to be given to some incredible performances by Brody and Pearce. Although both men have worked consistently, Brutalist feels like a revitalisation for the two actors. As László, Brody’s performance is marked by a quiet rage that burns within him and feels entirely authentic. There is a wisdom within him that feels untapped by a world that chooses to hold him at bay. At the same time, Pearce brings a boisterous confidence to his role that wavers between wholesome and horrific. Unlike László, Harrison is a man of power but no knowledge and he is determined to keep his place in the social stratusphere. Together, the two men form a fascinating dynamic to watch onscreen as they both grasp and claw at the world for respect and admiration in entirely different ways.
László wants to be remembered but Harrison wants to be known.
Although Brutalist is named for the artistic form of the same name, the title also accurately points to the harshest of conditions for its characters. After all, the film speaks to the tragedy of the immigrant experience in America with poignancy, grace and, yes, brutality. Although the film is focused entirely on László’s experience, Corbet’s sweeping narrative feels like it could just as well be the story of anyone who has travelled to the US. Battling poverty and the biases of those around him, László is a man who has the cards stacked against him. Despite his skills and sharp mind, he is still viewed as the ‘other’. An intruder who doesn’t fully belong, even if he appears to blend in.
Yet László won’t be denied. Instead of giving up, he fights to prove himself at every turn. Even when his world is stripped away, he continues to find ways to show his immense skills as an artist. There’s something indomitable about his spirit as he remains determined to carve out a place for himself within the American Dream.
But this resolve is also where Brutalist leans furthest into the darkness. Without giving any spoilers, László’s abilities also lead to his being taken advantage of. In these moments, Corbet emphasizes the ways that the contributions of others can be stripped away from them by those in power, just as easily as they are given opportunities to showcase them.
In essence, the American Dream can very quickly become a nightmare.
Often, László finds himself at the mercy of the whims of the privileged. These are men and women who seem to invite others to the table yet also look to maintain their powerful grip on society. In doing so, Corbet shows the freedom that men like László seek within the US border to be fraudulent; an eternal carrot that’s dangled in front of them yet can never be reached.
Admittedly, much will be made of Brutalist’s extensive runtime of 3 hours and 35 minutes. Still, one cannot deny that this film is compelling from the very first frame unto the last. Featuring exquisite cinematography and stunning performances, Corbet makes use of every moment of screentime to create an epic exploration of the soul of America that is truly one of the best films of the year.
The Brutalist is available in theatres on Wednesday, December 25th, 2024.
