Movies

Deep Dive Into The Brutalist: Hidden Meanings & Surprising Messages

BBG News

In a narrow loss at the 97th Academy Awards for Best Picture, Brady Corbet’s film, titled “The Brutalist“, remains noteworthy for its exceptional narrative craftsmanship and profound themes. The plot revolves around a fictional architect named Laszlo Toth, who embarks on a journey to the United States in search of refuge from his conflict-ridden homeland and the allure of the American Dream. The movie received significant praise for its intricate storyline, remarkable acting, and ongoing resonance in contemporary society. Now accessible via streaming platforms, The Brutalist has introduced a fresh audience to this enduring tale.

Similar to numerous award-winning movies, “The Brutalist” is a film rich in thematic complexity that demands more than one viewing to fully grasp its depth. Despite not having an intricate narrative, it subtly explores themes of trauma, abuse, and the immigrant experience which may not be apparent upon first watch. Yet, this requirement for multiple viewings makes “The Brutalist” a remarkable achievement, as it offers fresh insights with each rewatch. Fortunately, Adrien Brody’s recent Oscar victory has encouraged many skeptical viewers to finally give it a try.

Why The Movie Is Called The Brutalist

The Title Has Several Different Meanings

In Corbet’s movie “The Brutalist,” the term “brutalist” carries multiple meanings, with the main association being its link to brutalism, the art movement where Toth gained prominence. As the film unfolds, it becomes clear that Toth was a significant player in the brutalist architectural scene, a real-life phenomenon that emerged in the 1950s, predominantly in Europe. The movement originated in post-war Britain, and its buildings stood out due to their minimalistic designs and focus on raw building materials. This architectural style was a stark contrast to the ornate, decorative architecture prevalent during the 18th and 19th centuries.

In a similar vein, the term “brutalist” applies not just to the architectural style, but also to Toth himself, who presents an unfamiliar and alien aspect to the Americans he interacts with. Just as brutalism gained acclaim for its capacity to shatter our expectations about what constitutes a “beautiful” structure, Toth forces his contemporaries to confront the possibility that their world might not be as pristine as it appears from within, dismantling the illusion of the so-called American Dream.

In summary, Toth’s personal history is deeply intertwined with his architectural achievements in “The Brutalist,” leading viewers to ponder whether the title signifies the narrative about the brutalist movement or the individual who embodied it. Moreover, there’s a hint that some characters, like Van Buren, embody brutality not only in their designs but also in their actions, manipulating Toth for selfish purposes.

The Brutalist Is About More Than Just Architecture

Brutalism Is An Obvious Metaphor For Something More Sinister

Despite the significant part played by architecture in the narrative of “The Brutalist”, its importance is mainly symbolic. The artistic style serves primarily as a prop to establish the backdrop for the film’s core theme, which revolves around recurring trauma and self-acceptance. Toth journeys to America in pursuit of the utopian society that has been marketed to him through idealistic propaganda, but he encounters instead a much more dangerous, consuming society that exploits his creativity and eventually discards him.

In The Brutalist, each character’s unique abilities and social status determine how they are perceived. For instance, Laszlo and Erzebet Toth, as immigrants, are frequently viewed as curiosities with particular roles in America but are unable to fully integrate into the society. On the other hand, Van Buren, who is wealthy, tends to see himself above others and takes advantage of this privilege, mirroring the exploitative tendencies of his homeland. His mistreatment of Laszlo, both physically and psychologically, symbolizes a broader, distressing immigrant experience in America during the post-war era, reflecting the general trauma that many immigrants faced during that time.

How The Brutalist Uses Architecture & The Holocaust To Explore Its Themes

The Minimalist Architecture Echoes Toth’s Isolation

The choice to base the primary art style in this film on Brutalism is incredibly apt, not only due to its historical ties with Eastern Europe and Toth’s family background, but also because of how powerfully its stark, imposing aesthetic mirrors the dehumanization Toth encounters in America. Brutalist designs are intended to provoke a sense of unease and detachment, which resonates deeply with Toth’s war experiences.

This connection between architecture and history is palpable, allowing The Brutalist to delve into its themes in a compelling manner.

In “The Brutalist,” Brody’s performance powerfully portrays Lazslo’s struggle to fit into American society, followed by his disillusionment when he recognizes this goal is unattainable. Instead of traditional architecture that focuses on ornamentation and beauty, the stark simplicity of brutalist structures underscores Lazslo’s isolation and oppression more effectively. This minimalistic design symbolizes his creative expression, which can only be expressed in ways that appear mundane at first glance, mirroring his own loss of humanity.

What The Brutalist’s Director & Stars Have Said About The Movie’s Themes

Corbet And Brody Have Similar Interpretations Of The Film

Director Brady Corbet, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in 2024, shared his perspective on brutalism in his film: “In the 1950s, when these monuments were being constructed, many people wished to see them demolished right away.” The response to these structures seems to echo Toth’s own feelings of alienation in America. He continued, explaining that “Brutalist architecture symbolizes something that people struggle to comprehend and desire to destroy. However, these buildings would not have been built if not for the pain that much of the world has experienced.

In an interview with NPR, The Brutalist’s Brody mirrored his director’s thoughts, stating that “It can be difficult for a foreigner, despite trying to blend in and adapt. This theme is central to the story of The Brutalist, and I was given the opportunity to portray Laszlo’s struggle as he grapples with this reality. America may not always live up to its image as a welcoming nation, which is a message that resonates strongly today.” The core idea of adapting and integrating into American society forms the backbone of The Brutalist’s narrative, culminating in an unsettling finale that suggests America might not be as welcoming as it claims – a theme that still feels strikingly pertinent.

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2025-05-17 22:31

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