Adrien Brody in 'The Brutalist': More Than Just Architecture This Movie Asks a Big Question About Belonging

Okay movie buffs and culture vultures get ready to dive into a film that's sparking some serious conversation! We are talking about "The Brutalist" and why it is way more relevant right now than you might think. And guess who's right in the middle of it all? None other than Adrien Brody.

'The Brutalist': A Post-War Story of a Jewish Architect in America That Hits Hard Today

Before recent world events "The Brutalist" might have seemed like just another artsy well-made movie maybe interesting but not exactly earth-shattering. But as it turns out this film is hitting a nerve and asking some tough questions that feel incredibly important today. The movie is over three hours long so settle in but it is really making people think.

Adrien Brody stars as László Tóth a Hungarian-Jewish architect. The story starts in 1947 when László arrives in America. He is talented but he has been through a lot. He is a Holocaust survivor trying to start over in a new country. The film follows his journey in America through the 1940s and 1950s. And here's where it gets really interesting. "The Brutalist" seems to be asking a question that is becoming more and more relevant: Do Jewish people truly belong in America?

This is a question that might have seemed unthinkable not too long ago especially in America. But recent events have made many people including American Jews themselves really think about their place in society. The film is set in the past but it feels incredibly connected to what is happening right now. It is exploring identity belonging and what it means to build a life in a place that might not fully accept you.

Oscar Buzz and Adrien Brody's Potential Win: Why 'The Brutalist' is Getting Major Attention

"The Brutalist" is not just some small indie film. It is getting major awards attention. It snagged a bunch of Oscar nominations including Best Picture . Adrien Brody himself is nominated for Best Actor for his powerful performance as László Tóth. And with a relatively small budget of around $10 million the movie has already made over $36 million at the box office. That's pretty impressive.

Critics are praising the film's depth its subtle storytelling and its beautiful filmmaking. Brady Corbet directed it and he is known for making thought-provoking movies. "The Brutalist" is definitely continuing that trend. The film is epic in scope covering decades of László's life and career. It explores big themes and does not shy away from complex emotions.

Themes That Resonate: Art Capitalism and the Question of the American Dream for Immigrants

"The Brutalist" is not just about one man's story it is about bigger ideas. It explores the relationship between art and the people who fund it or "patrons". It looks at how capitalism and the pursuit of wealth shapes our world. And it really digs into what the American Dream means especially for someone who comes to America as an immigrant and as a survivor of trauma.

László Tóth is an architect trained in the Bauhaus style which is all about clean lines and functionality. He arrives in America hoping to build a new life and create meaningful structures. He gets involved with a wealthy industrialist named Harrison Lee Van Buren played by Guy Pearce. Their relationship is complicated full of admiration and conflict. Van Buren commissions László to design a community center but their visions often clash. This tension between the artist's vision and the patron's desires is a central theme of the film.

The movie also touches on the relationship between America and Europe especially in the post-war era. László is a European artist bringing his ideas and style to America. He encounters both acceptance and resistance. The film hints at cultural clashes and the challenges of adapting to a new society while holding onto your identity.

Brutalism in Architecture and Film: More Than Just Concrete and Coldness

The film's title "The Brutalist" is a nod to Brutalist architecture. This style is known for its use of raw concrete and its massive imposing forms. Think of buildings that look strong and solid maybe even a bit severe. The 99% Invisible podcast actually did an episode about Brutalist architecture and its connection to the movie.

Brutalist buildings are often controversial. Architects might appreciate them for their design and boldness but the public sometimes finds them cold and uninviting. Concrete as a material has a complex history. In the early 20th century it was seen as a revolutionary material that could change the world. It was used to build everything from housing projects to government buildings. But over time some Brutalist structures became associated with urban decay and social problems.

"The Brutalist" film seems to use this architectural style as a metaphor for László's life and experiences. He is building something solid and lasting in a world that is often harsh and unforgiving. The starkness and ambition of Brutalist architecture might reflect the challenges and the determination of someone trying to rebuild after trauma.

Want to Watch 'The Brutalist'? Here's How

Interested in seeing "The Brutalist" for yourself? It is now available to buy digitally on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV. The digital purchase price is around $19.99. Perfect for watching at home especially since it is a longer film you can pause whenever you need a break.

If you are a fan of physical media you can also pre-order "The Brutalist" on Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD disc. The physical release date is not set yet but it is expected sometime in late March or early April. And for serious film buffs the screenplay is also available as a paperback or e-book on Amazon. Dive deep into the story even further.

• Digital Purchase: Available now on Prime Video Apple TV and other VOD platforms for $19.99.
• Blu-ray/4K Ultra HD Pre-order: Coming late March/early April. Check Amazon and other retailers.
• Script Book: "The Brutalist: The Scripts" available in paperback and Kindle e-book on Amazon.

'The Brutalist': A Film That Asks Important Questions Right Now

"The Brutalist" is more than just a movie about architecture or history. It is a film that is deeply relevant to our current moment. It asks us to think about belonging identity and what it means to build a home in a world that is constantly changing and challenging. Adrien Brody's performance is getting raves and the film's themes are sure to spark conversations. If you are looking for a movie that is both thought-provoking and emotionally powerful "The Brutalist" is definitely one to check out.