Exploring “The Brutalist” at the Venice Film Festival
VENICE – “The Brutalist,” a post-war epic about a Holocaust survivor attempting to rebuild a life in America, is a fantasy. But filmmaker Brady Corbet wishes it weren’t.
“The film is about the physical manifestation of the trauma of the 20th century,” Corbet said Sunday at the Venice Film Festival. “It’s dedicated to the artists that didn’t get to realize their vision.”
Inspired by Jean-Louis Cohen’s book “Architecture in Uniform,” the film stars Adrien Brody as a Hungarian architect and will have its world premiere Sunday afternoon.
Spanning decades, “The Brutalist” tells the story of László Tóth and his attempts to pursue his art after the war in America. Brody plays Tóth, and Felicity Jones his wife, Erzsébet. The film also features Joe Alwyn, Alessandro Nivola, and Guy Pearce.
Brody shared that portraying this character felt personal to him, as his mother was a Hungarian immigrant who fled during a revolution in 1956 to pursue a career as an artist.
Running 215-minutes and presented in 70mm, “The Brutalist” arrived in Venice with high expectations. Reviews are yet to be released, but the anticipation is strong.
Corbet, emotional about his seven-year commitment to the film, has crafted a piece that challenges traditional cinematic norms and offers a unique viewing experience.
“The Brutalist” showcases bold cinematography choices and a runtime that pushes boundaries, challenging the industry to rethink conventional storytelling methods.
Corbet’s previous works have been met with mixed reactions, but his dedication to pushing artistic boundaries is undeniable. “The Brutalist” represents a culmination of his unique vision and commitment to storytelling.
Playing in competition at the festival, “The Brutalist” promises to be a standout among the many premieres at the Venice Film Festival.
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