Adrien Brody Shines in ‘The Brutalist,’ a Haunting Tale of War and Resilience
By Corbin Johnson
On our fourth Oscars watch-along, we have a deeply intriguing and profound film: The Brutalist. This cinematic masterpiece stars Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, and Joe Alwyn. With ten Oscar nominations, a stellar cast, and a captivating script, The Brutalist proves why it deserves every one of its accolades.
The film follows a young Jewish architect in postwar Europe who immigrates to America with hopes of building a peaceful life with his wife and continuing his career. Adrien Brody delivers a stellar performance as Laszlo Toth, effortlessly portraying loneliness, joy, homelessness, sorrow, and despair. His performance is so compelling that it’s easy to see why he is a frontrunner for Best Lead Actor at the Oscars this Sunday. Through Brody’s nuanced portrayal, the film highlights the struggles of immigrants seeking a better life while carrying the trauma of war.
The cinematography in The Brutalist is phenomenal, with each shot and scene drawing viewers in and keeping them glued to the screen. The supporting cast—Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn, and Felicity Jones—also deliver superb performances. In every scene they appear in, their energy and presence leave an impact, making viewers wonder, Why weren’t they nominated for an Oscar? After watching this film, you’ll find yourself rooting for it at the Academy Awards.
The Brutalist offers a full range of emotions—crying, shouting, subtle moments, and heartfelt gestures. It takes viewers on a deeply emotional journey. The performances are incredibly dynamic, especially from Guy Pearce, whose character is the first to cross paths with Brody’s. Pearce is outstanding, and his long-standing career makes it surprising that he has never won an Oscar. Felicity Jones, though introduced later in the story, proves she can hold her own in scenes with powerhouses like Brody and Pearce.
Another intriguing aspect of The Brutalist is its use of an intermission, a feature commonly seen in films from the 1950s and 1960s but rarely used today. Given the film’s three-hour-and-thirty-four-minute runtime, the intermission is a thoughtful inclusion, allowing audiences time to absorb the film’s intensity and reflect on its themes.
Overall, The Brutalist is a masterpiece that takes its time, featuring breathtaking cinematography and phenomenal performances. The film does not rush through its story or gloss over important details, making for a deeply immersive experience. I highly recommend it to my fellow viewers, as it serves as both an educational piece and an emotional exploration of immigrant life after World War II. The film highlights the lasting impact of war trauma and how it shapes relationships and daily life, making it highly relevant even in today’s society.
