The Brutalist Reviews

8.0 - This is a really hard one for me to rate, even after sitting with it for over 48 hours.

It’s undeniably a technical masterpiece. It’s massive in story, scale, & performance. But I’m not sure it completely justifies itself and it’s 3.5 hour run time.

Adrien Brody gives an incredible, moving performance. His character is asked to give & give, sacrifice & sacrifice, risk & risk, for an American dream that is never truly possible, & can never be fully realized. Moving from one form of prison to another as he has to constantly turn to & survive every kind of abuse. Beyond Brody’s performance, I felt Guy Pearce’s was also especially powerful (& difficult to stomach). A fantastic representation of the entire American capitalist system.

The film itself is big & beautiful, & also cold & rough - brutalist if you will. The AI controversy is a complete nothing to me in reading how it was used.

But again, I don’t know if it is justified in its length. The epilogue was especially unnecessary, and I think its story additions could have been weaved in much more subtly, & as a result, more powerfully. I also think the end of Act Two would have hit much better if it was left with its open-ended (but still clear) resolution. Overall, this is a fantastic work that just doesn’t all mesh for me. There is a starkness between acts, & again before the epilogue, that detracts from any deep emotion. And while I absolutely under the love for this from awards organizations, I don’t automatically place it as a best picture favorite I was expecting when I entered my theater. I’m not sure I’ll ever find myself watching it again, but I am very curious how it might affect me on a second experience.

If I had a nickel for every time Adrien Brody was in a movie during or after the events of WW2, while his character is very artistic, I’d have 2 nickels. Which isn’t a lot, but it’s weird that it happened twice.

One of the best opening sequences I’ve seen

A symphony of a film about a man who birthed a seemingly aggressive style with a secret sentimental punch

A messy, drawn-out Drama with needless shouting, vehicle POVs, creepy handjobs, “intellectuality stimulating conversations,” convoluted narration, and overbearing music.

It builds from its strong performances on a shaky ground of bizarre creative materials and a…

Order of events of movie:

“Oh sick wow, beautiful, struggles, woah thats awesome, yo he didnt deserve that, oh good for them, yo christopher nolan should shoot a scene here, WHAT THE FUCK, oh ok, WOAH, oh fire”

Every individual part of this movie is perfect! Acting, sound, etc.

Feels like a 3 hours student film

Movies really make cigarettes look enjoyable.

Peak

The cinematography, acting, set design, and soundtrack were amazing. A very visually appealing movie. I feel bamboozled though. I was hoping for a biopic with the introduction to the world of brutalism but I felt it was shallow in that regard.

I’m crying… I’m crying because true cinema is back, no more 10 second scenes (fuck tik tok), your focus has to be on point with this movie, long well shot scenes, amazing dialogue, stunning performances and overall just perfection at its finest. Thank you so so much.

The second act had its problems, but there was so much right in this incredibly ambitious undertaking that I can’t help but feel like it deserves to take its place near - if not among - the greats. A lot of the work was score, performances, and cinematography, not so much script.

So disappointed. Nothing burger. Enjoyed part 1, LOVED moments of part 2, hated the epilogue. Felt empty. Very upset that it is not based on a true story. Very beautifully shot. Lost on to what the point was supposed to be…

Way too long

Part 1 was fine. Loved a lot of the cinematography but so much of Part 2 was meh and dryyyy. The epilogue was so disappointing to me. So final and incomplete. So many interesting choices..

Brady Corbet's The Brutalist is a towering and ambitious epic period drama that delves into the tumultuous post-WWII immigrant experience and the relentless pursuit of the American Dream, filtered through the lens of a visionary architect. Co-written by Corbet and Mona Fastvold, the film stars an exceptional ensemble led by the Oscar-winning Adrien Brody as László Tóth, a Hungarian-Jewish Holocaust survivor who seeks to rebuild his life and career in 1950s America. Premiering to critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including a Silver Lion for Best Direction at Venice, The Brutalist is a visually stunning and emotionally complex cinematic achievement. My initial reaction was one of being utterly mesmerized by its sheer scale, its meticulously crafted period detail, and the raw power of its performances. My overall impression is that The Brutalist is a monumental work of art, a deeply resonant and unflinching portrayal of ambition, trauma, and the elusive nature of fulfillment, cementing its place as one of the best films of 2024.

Rating:
8.4/10 ⭐️ (★★★★ - Excellent)
An excellent rating for a film that is a masterclass in epic storytelling, boasting a powerhouse performance, stunning cinematography, and a profound exploration of complex themes, establishing itself as a major cinematic event.

The Good:
* Narrative & Story (Strengths): The film's narrative is a sprawling yet deeply intimate saga, following László Tóth's struggle to find success and peace in a new land after surviving unimaginable horrors. The story is meticulously crafted, exploring themes of resilience, trauma, ambition, identity, and the often-deceptive promise of the American Dream. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in the characters' psychological journeys and the evolving socio-cultural landscape of post-war America. The central conflict between László and the envious industrialist Harrison Lee Van Buren (Guy Pearce) provides a compelling external obstacle to László's artistic vision, while the personal challenges with his wife Erzsébet (Felicity Jones) and mute niece Zsófia (Raffey Cassidy) anchor the emotional core.
* Characters (Strengths): The performances are simply phenomenal. Adrien Brody delivers an Oscar-winning, career-defining portrayal of László Tóth, capturing his intensity, his haunted past, and his relentless drive. He embodies the character's artistic genius and deep-seated trauma with breathtaking nuance. Felicity Jones as Erzsébet Tóth provides a deeply moving performance, conveying the complexities of a marriage strained by shared trauma. Guy Pearce as Harrison Lee Van Buren is a standout, portraying a man consumed by envy with compelling subtlety. Raffey Cassidy is profoundly impactful as Zsófia, conveying immense emotion through her silent performance. Joe Alwyn, Stacy Martin, Alessandro Nivola, Emma Laird, and Isaach de Bankolé all contribute stellar supporting performances, fleshing out this intricate world.
* Directing & Filmmaking (Strengths): Brady Corbet's direction is visionary and audacious. He orchestrates a vast narrative with remarkable control, showcasing a maturity beyond his years. The film's use of the revived VistaVision format (shot horizontally on 35mm film for large-format projection) is not a gimmick; it lends a breathtaking grandeur and an authentic period feel, perfectly capturing the vastness of the American landscape and the imposing scale of László's architectural dreams. Lol Crawley's cinematography is nothing short of magnificent, justly winning an Academy Award. Every frame is a work of art, utilizing light, shadow, and composition to profound effect. Daniel Blumberg's original score is exceptional, earning an Oscar, beautifully underscoring the film's emotional and thematic complexities. The editing by Dávid Jancsó is meticulous, guiding the viewer through the film's extensive runtime with fluid grace. The production design by Judy Becker is extraordinary, recreating 1950s Philadelphia and building the magnificent (and partially scaled) Van Buren Institute.
* Technical Aspects (Strengths): The film's commitment to period authenticity is astounding, from the costumes (Kate Forbes) to the sets and locations (Hungary doubling for Pennsylvania, Carrara for Italy). The choice of VistaVision, while challenging, yields stunning results, providing an unparalleled visual experience that truly immerses the audience. The meticulous detail in recreating 1950s architecture and life is remarkable.
* Enjoyment & Engagement: The Brutalist is a profoundly engaging and deeply rewarding film. Its epic scope, compelling characters, and unflinching exploration of complex themes keep the audience captivated throughout its considerable runtime. It's a film that demands attention and offers rich intellectual and emotional payoffs, prompting deep reflection long after viewing.

The Not So Good:
* Narrative & Story (Weaknesses): While the film's deliberate pacing is a strength, its length (over 3 hours) and the density of its narrative may be challenging for some viewers accustomed to faster-paced dramas. Some might find the exploration of certain character motivations, particularly Harrison's envy, could have been even more explicit in the early stages.
* Enjoyment & Engagement (Negatives): The film's bleak subject matter (Holocaust survival, emotional trauma) and its unflinching portrayal of personal and professional struggles might be emotionally taxing for some audiences, requiring a significant commitment from the viewer.

The Verdict:
The Brutalist is a monumental cinematic achievement, a true masterpiece of epic storytelling and character study. Brady Corbet's visionary direction, coupled with Adrien Brody's career-defining performance and Lol Crawley's breathtaking cinematography, creates a film that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally profound. It's a powerful and unflinching exploration of ambition, trauma, and the elusive nature of the American Dream, making it one of the most important films of 2024. Its meticulous craft, combined with its powerful narrative and stellar cast, ensures its place as a contemporary classic. Highly recommended for those who appreciate ambitious, character-driven dramas, historical epics, and films that challenge and reward their audience.

Optional Additional Categories:
* Genre & Tone: The film is primarily an epic period drama with strong elements of psychological drama and a neo-realist undertone. Its tone is largely somber and contemplative, yet punctuated by moments of intense ambition, artistic passion, and profound human connection.
* Target Audience: It caters to adult audiences who appreciate serious, character-driven dramas, historical epics, and arthouse cinema. Its multiple language tracks also appeal to a diverse international audience.
* Originality & Innovation: The film is highly original in its unique blend of historical trauma with the architectural pursuit of the American Dream. Its revival and masterful use of the VistaVision format are significant innovations that set it apart visually. The nuanced portrayal of Holocaust trauma from a male survivor's perspective is also a fresh approach.
* Themes & Messages (Further Discussion): The film deeply explores themes of trauma, memory, the cost of ambition, artistic integrity versus commercialism, the immigrant experience, antisemitism, and the complexities of finding belonging and healing in a new world. It questions the very definition of "success" and "happiness."
* Comparison to Other Films: It stands alongside other ambitious historical epics and character studies that explore post-war trauma, such as The Pianist (also starring Brody) or Schindler's List, but distinguishes itself with its focus on architecture and the psychological impacts of ambition. Its visual grandeur and historical scope draw comparisons to classics of epic cinema.

the greatest film I’ve ever seem

Disrespectful and full dangerous historical inaccuracies.

This was a brutal experience, literally you have everything in this movie, and watching this film on the big screen was everything! The construction of this movie is so well done. By the way, with the ending it felt like a perfect circle 👌🏽

9/10 mycket bra