The Brutalist – Movie Reviews by Ry!

The Brutalist – Architect in a New World: Art of the Dream

Within the reality of the situation, what is it that brings true purpose?  This is a question that breeds uncertainty in delight, but also shakes the foundation of who and what we are.  Stories (of all kinds) attempt to breed escapism with life, but don’t always hit high marks.  When it does … it will make you think back, seeing how great an experience can be.  In this review, I look at the latest drama film to hit the big screen.  Within a formidable experience about life, and strong characters, The Brutalist is an endearing tale that answers what it means to find purpose in that reality. 

In a tale of struggle and worth, one man will immigrate to America in hopes of finding reasons to believe in his dream again.  For many, the heart of the tale is the journey.  From foundation to characterized stories, if the journey is lethargic, then nothing else really matters.  For this film, it is wrapped in its characters, but built around realistic moments and the immigrant experience.  In the beginning, we come into this journey through the drop-in method, witnessing Laszlo Toth (Adrien Brody) escaping post-war Europe for a new life in America.  After a series of slow building moments, we learn about Laszlo’s background and his hope of reestablishing his career as an architect (plot point).  As this is set, we embark on a journey that spans specific points in Toth’s life, watching as he maneuvers through unbecoming moments and hopeful situations.  Against the backdrop of the late 40’s, 50’s and early 60’s, the sense of the moment is built through methodical blending of the periods.  This grounding appeal pulls at the characters, a created sense of struggle that is not played up for dramatization.  Moving beyond the typical nature of a narrative, what is displayed is the perspective of the individuals, each seeking chance and reinvention.  This is heightened by Laszlo’s interactions, especially with his wealthy business partner, Harrison Van Buren (Guy Pierce) and Laszlo’s wife, Erzsebet (Felicity Jones).  Through moments of candid but blunt scenes, you witness a dueling of visions within toleration, showcasing the struggle of individual aspiration against the backdrop of reality.  Watching Laszlo push forward (no matter the obstacles) brings about a raw grip, one that reveals the fragile sense within the nature of life. 

From the story to the direction, this film moves purposefully slow, a decision that allows a spotlight to be genuinely primed for its characters, moments and visual aesthetics.  Seeing things in the light of raw galore ironically puts the spectacle upon believability.  It is the unspoken that showcases meaning, putting the journey in the eyes of the escape (for the audience).  As things move through their highs and lows, we witness both achievement and failures in Laszlo’s quest.  When he comes against a true obstacle, we head into a finale that is purposefully indifferent, a grandiose moment against the backdrop of character triumphs.  It is in the final moments (of the film) that you realize … what it really means to achieve that dream.  The Brutalist is an endearing drama that showcase the heart of the immigrant tale.  If you are a fan of character of thematic like films, this is one for you.  This film is a long journey, but it is one worth the big screen.

Full Score – 4 out of 5 (Full Price)