Epic Post-War Film "The Brutalist" Premieres at Venice Film Festival

The 92-year-old Venice Film Festival, the world's oldest cinematic showcase, is currently hosting the premiere of Brady Corbet's ambitious post-war epic, "The Brutalist." This 215-minute film, presented in 70mm format, explores the life of a Holocaust survivor attempting to rebuild his career as an architect in America.

Adrien Brody, who became the youngest Best Actor Oscar winner at 29 for "The Pianist" in 2002, portrays László Tóth, a Hungarian architect grappling with the aftermath of World War II. The film spans decades, chronicling Tóth's journey from near-poverty to professional success after securing a contract from a wealthy industrialist, played by Guy Pearce.

Corbet, known for his unconventional approach to filmmaking, has spent seven years crafting this project. The director's choice to use 70mm film and Vista Vision, a high-resolution widescreen format, underscores his commitment to visual quality. This decision aligns him with renowned directors like Christopher Nolan and Denis Villeneuve, who have championed large-format filmmaking in recent years.

The film's title, "The Brutalist," alludes to the architectural style that emerged in the 1950s and gained popularity in the following decades. This connection between the protagonist's profession and the post-war era adds depth to the narrative, reflecting the physical manifestation of 20th-century trauma that Corbet aims to explore.

Brody expressed a personal connection to the role, citing his mother's experience as a Hungarian immigrant who fled during the 1956 anti-Soviet revolution. This historical event, which saw a nationwide revolt against the Soviet-controlled government of Hungary, adds authenticity to the film's portrayal of post-war European experiences in America.

Corbet's work draws inspiration from Jean-Louis Cohen's book "Architecture in Uniform," highlighting the intersection of architecture and historical events. The director dedicated the film to artists who were unable to realize their visions, possibly alluding to the six million European Jews systematically murdered during the Holocaust.

"This film does everything that we are told we are not allowed to do. Maybe the next thing I make will be about 45 minutes, and I should be allowed to do that. ... As Harmony Korine once said, cinema is stuck in the birth canal. And I agree with him."

Corbet's statement reflects his desire to challenge industry norms, particularly regarding film length and format. His previous works, including "Vox Lux" (2018) and "The Childhood of a Leader," have also premiered at the Venice Film Festival, showcasing the event's support for innovative filmmaking.

As "The Brutalist" competes for the prestigious Golden Lion, the festival's top prize, it joins a lineup of high-profile premieres featuring stars like Angelina Jolie, Nicole Kidman, and Cate Blanchett. The 2024 Venice Film Festival continues to be a platform for groundbreaking cinema, maintaining its status as a major contemporary art exhibition within the broader Venice Biennale.