Movie Breakdown: The Brutalist
Pre-Screening Stance:
Brady Corbet’s last film was the messy something or other known as Vox Lux – a movie that didn’t exactly leave me chomping at the bit to see what he’d do next – but it would seem that he’s really upped his game with The Brutalist, which has been raved about as a Best Picture contender for months and months now. I can’t wait to see it.
Post-Screening Ramble:
While Conclave is the film I’d personally like to see win Best Picture at the upcoming Oscars, I’ll be pretty surprised if the selection isn’t The Brutalist, as it’s just an outright towering achievement from writer/director Brady Corbet. There’s a reality to the film though that I think is important to highlight, which is that while it’s the sort of award-worthy epic drama that you should absolutely see (particularly in the best theater near you), I doubt you’re going to want to line up right away to experience it again. This film isn’t an easy watch or even something I would call entertaining – it’s a long ride at three and a half hours (even with an intermission to break it up) and it spends all of that time meticulously exploring the facade of the American dream and the hardships of being an immigrant in the United States. Important? Yes. And there’s an Best Actor-worthy turn from Adrien Brody, incredible cinematography, and more to be had here, which is why I think it’ll win Best Picture, but just be aware of what you’re getting yourself into – this is a beast of a film, a big block of arthouse fare that’s a challenging watch, so when you buy a ticket (and you really should buy a ticket), just be ready to lock in and let it take you.
Starting this Friday, January 10, you can commit yourself to The Brutalist.
One Last Thought:
This movie has such a real, authentic, biopic feel to it that I totally just assumed Adrien Brody’s László Tóth was a real person (and architect). He is not. However, there was a troubled geologist by that name whose lasting legacy is being known for “vandalizing Michelangelo’s Pietà statue.”
