"The Brutalist" - Sacrifices for Art

*This article contains spoilers for the movie.

Directed by Brady Corbet, the film follows Hungarian-Jewish architect László Tóth (played by Adrien Brody) as he arrives in America after the Holocaust. He yearns for a new life amidst a prejudiced society. Upon arriving in Philadelphia, Tóth quickly receives help from his cousin, opening up opportunities for him to work in architecture.

One day, Harry, the son of the wealthy Harrison, commissioned him to renovate his father's library as a surprise. However, when Harrison unexpectedly visited, he was furious that the renovations had been done without permission, and Harry refused to pay. The situation escalated when his cousin suspected Tóth of having an affair with his wife.

Three years later, Tóth's life plunged into tragedy: working as a coal miner and falling into addiction. Just when all hope seemed lost, Harrison invited him to design a community center. This opened up an opportunity for the protagonist to reaffirm his talent.

Adrien Brody in the movie "The Brutalist".

The hidden aspects of the character's life are revealed, exemplified by the scene where Harrison abuses his power to intimidate him at the construction site, plunging the character into chaos. The outburst of anger and despair doesn't stop there, as the protagonist nearly turns a knife on his wife (played by Felicity Jones), a metaphor for the shattering of his soul due to work pressure.

The cinematography also contributes to the story's weight. The project was filmed using VistaVision technology, delivering sharp, detailed images in every scene – the architectural structures and surrounding landscapes reflecting the post-war era.

The film emphasizes that art is not merely an aesthetic value, but also a bridge between generations, between people living in pain who desire a different future. László Tóth's relentless struggle is a prime example of inner strength, overcoming fate to affirm one's self-worth.

Adrien Brody's performance in the lead role was critically acclaimed. With his deep gaze and expressive, troubled face, Brody conveyed the anxieties of an artist surviving war. NBC News commented: "This film shows the power of acting, where every gesture and glance contains a story."

Experts believe that the film's captivating elements are the combination of compelling storyline, acting, and groundbreaking cinematography. The lighting, color, and framing highlight the beauty of the architecture, conveying a message of sustainability and faith in the future. According to Variety , The Brutalist is a testament to the perseverance and passion of independent filmmakers. Initially planned in 2020, the project was delayed due to the pandemic and faced numerous financial challenges, with a budget of only around $10 million, requiring adjustments to the filming schedule in Hungary and Italy.

Kim Ly (According to vnexpress.net)

Source: http://baovinhphuc.com.vn/Multimedia/Images/Id/126649/“The-Brutalist”---danh-doi-vi-nghe-thuat