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Hungarian Edition
Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist is a sweeping, intimate portrait of ambition and survival told through the lens of architecture. Adrien Brody stars as László Tóth, a Hungarian architect and Holocaust survivor striving to rebuild his life in post-war America. When wealthy industrialist Harrison Lee Van Buren (Guy Pearce) commissions Tóth to design a public institute, the project becomes more than just a job – it is a reflection of his trauma, obsession, and desire to leave a lasting legacy.
The film, praised for its rich storytelling and striking visual design, leans heavily on the work of production designer Judy Becker. Responsible for envisioning Tóth’s creations, Becker designed everything from period furniture to the imposing institute that anchors the narrative. Drawing inspiration from Bauhaus architects and modernist icons like Marcel Breuer and Tadao Ando, Becker infused the film’s architecture with symbolic weight, reflecting the burdens Tóth carries from his past.
Brody’s personal connection to the role adds another layer of authenticity. As the son of a Hungarian immigrant, Brody drew on family memories to shape his portrayal of Tóth. “There was a lot that I recalled from my youth – things very familiar and textural,” Brody shared in a video interview with CNN. His performance taps into the universal struggle of immigrants and artists alike, embodying the spirit of perseverance in the face of immense personal loss.
Shot on VistaVision, a rare film format not used in American cinema since 1961, “The Brutalist” embraces the grand scale of classic epics while maintaining the intimacy of character-driven storytelling. Filming took place largely in Hungary, utilizing both real locations and in-camera miniatures to bring Tóth’s architectural vision to life. Becker’s meticulous attention to detail extended to every aspect of the institute’s design, creating an immersive experience for the cast and crew.
“The Brutalist” stands as a testament to artistic collaboration and the power of architecture as a metaphor for resilience and transformation. For a deeper look at the making of the film and the creative forces behind it, read the full article on CNN.
