Movie Review: The Brutalist
The opening scene of “The Brutalist” is spellbinding and gives the initial impression that this is a film that attempts to be larger than life. You begin with a dizzying closeup of our lead character, Lazlo Thoth, played by Adrian Brody, as he arrives in New York by boat after escaping the Holocaust. Thoth makes his way to the deck of the ship with a fellow survivor. Each step down towards the deck, trumpets swell alongside their excitement and cheer as they finally see the Statue of Liberty.
Regardless of what you think of this three and a half hour saga, this opening scene is sure to strike a chord for you as it did for me. Ambitious is the best way to initially describe this film as the director, Brady Corbet, has worked hard to make this film a reality for the past seven years. It’s a movie that replicates the styles and writing of older Hollywood films, while attempting to put a new spin on the classic “American Dream” narrative. While it fumbles in places, I could not help but admire its attempts to be one of the “biggest” films in recent memory.
“The Brutalist” chronicles the life of a fictional Jewish architect, Lazlo Thoth, who attempts to find success in America after World War II, all while attempting to reunite with his estranged wife and niece. The film is split into three distinct parts as well as an “Overture” opening sequence that I already mentioned. Each part highlights Thoth’s striving for success in a cultural system that eats away at Thoth as bigotry, addiction and feigned tolerance weigh him down.
The film mirrors the postwar immigrant experience with the initial joys of the new citizens being overshadowed by the abuse received from those in power who merely tolerate their existence. This is not my opinion on post-war American society, but simply how this period is depicted in this film. While I do not believe Corbet believes this to have been the experience for every immigrant during this time, he acknowledges that powerful members of society tend to take advantage of those in need.
To be viewed as a tool is an incredibly demoralizing feeling, as your sense of being is called into question and your talents are sucked dry by people who view themselves as better. This is one of the prevailing themes of the film, one which I feel is still incredibly relevant in the modern age.
“The Brutalist” may not be for everyone, as it depicts the despair and savagery of humans all while maintaining a melancholic tone throughout. If you do see it though, you’ll understand why it’s become a hot contender for many of the year’s movie awards. The intense ambitions are present in many aspects of the film, such as Adrian Brody’s impeccable performance and mesmerizing wide shots, that are mixed with a gorgeous soundtrack. The film, at times, does try to do too much, even with its larger run time, but I can not say that I wasn’t enraptured by it.
