Some American films seem tailor-made for Oscar recognition, but that doesn’t always translate to great storytelling. The Brutalist, directed by Brady Corbet, is one such film- an ambitious, self-aware epic that demands admiration for its emotional weight and artistic grandeur. However, this very vanity makes it feel overwhelming and, at times, stifling for the audience.
Adrien Brody Shines As A War Survivor Turned Architect
Adrien Brody, best known for his role in The Pianist, takes on the character of László Tóth, a Hungarian-Jewish architect and Holocaust survivor seeking a fresh start in America. His life becomes entangled with wealthy capitalist Harrison Lee Van Buren, played by Guy Pearce, who “buys” talent to gain an intangible form of wealth. The film primarily focuses on their complex, often unsettling relationship, which delves into themes of power, exploitation, and moral dilemmas.
A Narrative That Struggles To Fully Explore Its Themes
While The Brutalist presents an intricate power dynamic between privilege and struggle, it falters in fully exploring the depths of exploitation migrants face. The arrival of Lazlo’s wife Erzsébet (Felicity Jones) and their ailing niece Zsofia (Raffey Cassidy) introduces new conflicts, but the narrative never fully commits to dissecting these tensions. The film sets up weighty themes but leaves them underdeveloped, preventing the emotional depth it aspires to reach.
A Climactic Confrontation That Stands Out
One of the film’s most striking moments occurs when Erzsébet crashes a formal dinner and confronts Harrison with accusations of exploitation and even sexual assault (though not against her). This scene recalls the raw power of Shabana Azmi’s confrontation in Shyam Benegal’s Ankur. However, unlike Ankur, The Brutalist appears too preoccupied with aesthetics, making the emotional impact feel more staged than organic.
A Film That Aims High But Falls Short
Despite its ambitious scope and layered themes, The Brutalist lacks the sensitivity needed to create a lasting emotional impact. The characters feel more like scripted figures rather than fully realized individuals. The film’s grand vision ultimately feels orchestrated for effect rather than authentic storytelling, preventing it from reaching the timeless quality it aspires to achieve
