Brutalism, derived from the French 'béton brut', is an architectural movement that proposes rigorous, minimalist, and retrospective designs challenging nostalgia after World War II. It is characterized by the use of massive structures made of raw concrete and a design that prioritizes functionality over decorative aesthetics. Pioneers like Alison and Peter Smithson describe it as an attempt to confront a society marked by mass production.
In the movie 'The Brutalist', directed by Brady Corbet, hardness and honesty are explored as pivotal aspects of human experience from the perspective of a Hungarian architect who survives the Holocaust and emigrates to the United States. The plot follows László Tóth, played by Adrien Brody, who struggles to overcome obstacles as a foreigner while dealing with loneliness and discrimination in a hostile environment.
The film, nominated for 10 Academy Awards this year, is a spectacle of monumental and raw cinema that captivates the audience with a classic and solemn narrative. Despite addressing various themes, the script distances itself from the depth it could achieve by exposing architectural concepts and situations surrounding drug consumption excesses. 'The Brutalist' also offers reflections on the pursuit of the American dream and the struggle of immigrants to survive in a demanding society.
In summary, the film is an enriching essay on the exercise of power that immerses the viewer in the immigrant's plight and their expectations in a new hostile society. With impeccable technical quality and a duration of 3 hours and 35 minutes, the film captivates with its intensity and deep message about human resilience in the face of adversity and the search for a place to call home.
