Photo from “The Brutalist (2024).” IMDb, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8999762/. 

By Curtis Liang

With the Oscars just around the corner, film enthusiasts are likely rushing to watch the standout films of 2024 in preparation for the big night. Many films that have gotten widespread acclaim include Wicked, Conclave, Dune: Part 2, Anora, and Nosferatu. One film in particular however, through its three and a half hour runtime alone, rises above the rest as a true standout. This is none other than Brady Corbet’s American Dream epic, The Brutalist, distributed by A24 and Focus Features.

Themes and Performances:

The Brutalist, at its core, is the fictional tale of successful Jewish architect, László Tóth, making his way to a post-World War, 1950s America, in hopes of a better future. The idea of the American dream is a major theme, further evidenced by the film’s many striking sceneries of a glamorized America. Much of the film’s themes are drawn from films of the New Hollywood Era, such as The Godfather: Part 2, and Once Upon a Time in America. These films not only take place in the same timeframe as The Brutalist, but they also flesh out the same themes of love, lust, greed, betrayal, loss, and broken relationships. The film dives deep into the emotional and physical struggles of Jewish immigrants, which is brought to life by the performances of a talented cast. Adrien Brody, who previously won best actor for Roman Polanski’s The Pianist, delivers yet another career-defining performance as László Tóth. The look of sheer devastation on his face and easily startled body movements are all a testament to Brody’s talent. His spouse in the film, Erzsébet, is portrayed by Felicity Jones, who delivers a strong and Shakespearean performance. Their complicated and, at times, uncomfortable relationship makes the film uneasy to sit through, but the captivating performances will draw you in nonetheless. Guy Pearce, who plays the manipulative patron Harrison Lee Van Burren, brings a chilling intensity that keeps the audience on edge.

Direction and Cinematography: 

Brady Corbet is known for his meticulous, unconventional storytelling, and here, he crafts a film that’s both visually striking and emotionally heavy. His approach leans into the atmosphere, using slow, deliberate pacing and long, meditative sequences to pull the audience into László Tóth’s journey. Every frame feels intentional, as it captures both the grandeur of a man’s life and the weight of personal and historical trauma. Cinematographer Lol Crawley plays a huge role in shaping the film’s unique look. The first half is filled with tight close-ups and handheld shots, creating a claustrophobic feel that keeps us locked into the characters’ emotions. These shaky, restless frames make László’s disorientation in America feel even more real. As the film progresses and he rises in status, the cinematography shifts to wider, more composed shots to show László’s growing architectural work. Lighting also plays a major role in setting the tone. Early scenes are in stark, natural light, emphasizing the bleakness of post-war survival. But as László enters the world of high society, especially in scenes with Guy Pearce’s character, Harrison Lee Van Burren, the lighting turns more artificial, reflecting their complicated relationship. Corbet and Crawley’s work makes The Brutalist not just a visually stunning film but one that feels raw and authentic to the immigration experience. The cinematography and direction work hand in hand to create a story that’s both epic in scale and deeply personal, making this one of the most striking films of the year.

Conclusion:

2024 has been a memorable and diverse year for cinema, giving us a lineup of films that have captivated audiences worldwide. But when it comes to sheer cinematic ambition, emotional depth, and technical mastery, The Brutalist stands above the rest. Much like Oppenheimer dominated 2023 with its intense character study and grand historical scope, The Brutalist feels like its spiritual successor, a film that has deeply personal storytelling, striking visuals, a memorable musical score, and unforgettable performances. The film’s exploration of ambition, sacrifice, and identity cements it as another A24 masterpiece. Simply put, The Brutalist is the defining film of the year. It’s bold and brutal to watch, and the kind of film that will stick with you for a long time. If there’s one film that deserves to take home Best Picture, it’s this one.