The Brutalist Movie Review

One of the things you’ve heard most about “The Brutalist” is that it’s three hours and thirty-five minutes long. Don’t let that turn you off because not only will you not feel that time go by as you watch, but you’ll want more when it’s over. ​

So much time has gone by since WWII and yet we still lust for more stories on the subject. Especially when handled with great care as this was. Golden Globe winner, Director Brady Corbet, shares writing credits with his wife Mona Fastvold. They have written a masterpiece. You’ll appreciate the score as much as you will what’s playing out before your eyes.

The story is about a Jewish Hungarian architect, who practices the brutalism style of architecture, using the plainness of concrete and the strength of steel, in mostly blocks, that came about in the mid-twentieth century. His name is László Tóth and he’s played by the incomparable Adrien Brody. Tóth’s artistic visions will not get past you, nor will his love for something largely unknown.

He has escaped his country for a new life, with his wife, Erzsébet, played beautifully by Felicity Jones. She’s stunning. Can Tóth make things work in this new world? When he sees the Statue of Liberty, his hope grows.

Nothing happens for him right away. He lives a humble life, waiting for a job to come that can help move him from the shelters he has been lowered to sleeping in while waiting for his wife to be with him again. It’s not long before he’s assigned to create buildings for Harrison Lee Van Buren, played by Guy Pearce. He’s an industrialist who wants more than anyone else has… and with Tóth, does he get it! Predictably, Pearce gives a stellar performance, as well.

Corbet has challenged himself with a significant subject and powerful issues with the competence of a tenured filmmaker. I’m looking forward to what he has for us next because it’s possible he wins the Academy Award for this film and with his talent and skill, perhaps another. I’m there even if it takes me another three hours to see what he has for us.