‘The Brutalist’ producers are betting on a 3.5-hour independent Adrien Brody film
As a cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in the silver screen, I must say that “The Brutalist” seems like a truly unique and captivating film. The idea of an allegory about the American Dream versus reality resonates deeply with me, as it mirrors my own journey through the world of cinema.
Approximately midway through the nearly 3½-hour play titled “The Brutalist,” there’s a 15-minute pause, during which a countdown timer is displayed.
The atmosphere recalls the grandiose movies from classic Hollywood. Films like “Gone With the Wind,” “The Ten Commandments,” and “Lawrence of Arabia” featured intermissions to divide their close-to-four-hour durations, and it was this vintage Hollywood ambiance that captivated producers Trevor Matthews and Nick Gordon.
Gordon, president of Brookstreet Pictures based in LA, commented that it seemed reminiscent of traditional American filmmaking,” or simply, “Gordon, president of LA-based Brookstreet Pictures, remarked it felt like classic American cinema.
Hollywood Inc.
In the past, people used to physically go to theaters to check the movie board for their next film. However, theaters are now adapting by finding alternative methods to retain their audience.
Matthews, the CEO of Brookstreet, commented that it seemed reminiscent of an old-fashioned film script,” he said. ” frankly, it’s hard to find movies like this nowadays.
As a film enthusiast, I must say that “The Brutalist” boldly defies the norms of today’s cinematic industry. This captivating independent production features an unprecedented script stretching over 160 pages, divided into an overture, two acts, and an epilogue. The story follows a Hungarian Jewish architect, portrayed by Adrien Brody, who embarks on a new life in the United States following World War II, seeking fresh opportunities for himself and his family.
The extensive, personality-focused storyline represents a gamble that audiences are interested in lengthy adult dramas tackling complex topics. The movie begins its limited run this Friday and will be widely available in cinemas across the country, including IMAX screens, come January.
Gordon stated, “This project doesn’t have a commercial focus by nature,” he explained. “Unlike many independent producers who seek projects with clear genre definitions or ideas that seem commercially viable at first glance… this production seemed more like ‘Citizen Kane.’ It was an expansive American epic filled with well-developed, multi-dimensional characters and compelling story arcs. We were captivated by its depth and wanted to find a way to bring it to life on screen.
It seemed reminiscent of an old-fashioned screenplay and film, as if today’s cinema lacks such productions.
— Producer Trevor Matthews
One method of rephrasing for easier understanding: A significant aspect involved in this was maintaining strict control over “The Brutalist” within a budget of approximately $10 million. Initially, the international distribution rights were sold ahead during the 2020 virtual Toronto International Film Festival to Focus Features. This sale provided some financial stability, but it wasn’t enough to provide a large budget, according to Gordon.
The producers devised both refunds and incentive schemes to minimize investment risks for equity holders. They chose to film in Hungary because it offers skilled crews and a beneficial rebate program, followed by post-production work in the U.K., allowing them to claim an additional tax credit.
Gordon mentioned it’s quite difficult to persuade individuals to accept such high risks, especially in ventures where they don’t immediately see the financial potential. However, when we discover a project of exceptional quality, we go all out, yet we must also find those who are willing to invest their own capital in this endeavor.
For film enthusiasts Gordon and Matthews, “The Brutalist” serves as a modern-day allegory exploring the contrast between the American Dream and the actual American experience. Over their 15 years of collaboration, they found the script for “The Brutalist” to be the most impressive they’ve ever received in their company.
In September, it was announced that A24 acquired the U.S. distribution rights for the movie titled “The Brutalist.” A source familiar with A24’s operations revealed that the studio was drawn to the film due to its expansive narrative, dedication to its topic, and storytelling style reminiscent of a novel. Moreover, A24 appreciated the intermission in the film, as it provided the movie an opportunity to take a breather and offered a commitment to a cinematic experience that felt fresh and invigorating, according to the source.
However, it’s uncertain how well this type of film will perform in the larger market, given that moviegoers are now choosing more carefully which films they attend in cinemas. Despite a strong summer season, the box office revenue is yet to fully recover and reach its pre-pandemic levels.
While Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” blended mainstream popularity with high-end cinema and garnered both box-office success and critical acclaim, Leonardo DiCaprio’s “Killers of the Flower Moon”, despite being critically praised, did not achieve the same commercial success.
Shawn Robbins, from Fandango (a movie ticket-seller) and creator of Box Office Theory, stated that the current trend in cinema is leaning towards lighter, more imaginative films. This is due to the fact that modern movies are often lengthy and intense.
Hollywood Inc.
This summer’s movie ticket sales have been a refreshing highlight amidst a generally challenging time for the cinema world.
I can’t help but draw a parallel with the extraordinary movie “Parasite” from 2019. Initially, it was viewed as a high-end production destined for critical acclaim, but as it turned out, it also resonated deeply with cinema-goers in theaters, much to my delight!
“Not everything has to be a big blockbuster to be successful,” he added.
Regardless of the challenging financial climate for independent film producers, Matthews from Brookstreet remains optimistic about the upcoming year, attributing his positivity to the strong audience interest in these kinds of films.
As for myself, I sense a comeback brewing, and here’s why: The current market atmosphere seems to be craving authentic and self-produced films with a voracious appetite.
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2024-12-23 14:31