Adrien Brody delivers an extraordinary performance in The Brutalist, a three-and-a-half-hour film that tells a thought-provoking story about immigration, ambition, and the cost of artistic success. In this film, Brody plays László Tóth, a brilliant Hungarian architect who flees his war-torn country in search of a better future in America.
The role requires him to express many emotions, from the humility of an immigrant striving for stability to the confidence of an artist determined to make his vision a reality. As the story unfolds, László also experiences deep trauma, leading to personal struggles, substance abuse, and a sense of powerlessness.
Director Brady Corbet presents László’s journey with a slow, deliberate pace, allowing the audience to reflect on themes of capitalism and the sacrifices required for artistic expression. The film’s first half follows László as he rises from an unknown immigrant to an admired visionary.
However, the second half takes a darker turn, exposing the hidden costs of his ambition. The Brutalist does not conclude conventionally, and its unexpected ending has left audiences debating its meaning.
Instead of resolving László’s story with a triumphant moment, Corbet suggests that artists often lose control of their own work in a world dominated by profit and power.
The Ending of The Brutalist Skips a Crucial Part of László’s Life
Despite its long runtime, The Brutalist tells its story in a direct and focused manner. The film, which has received 10 Academy Award nominations, follows László as he and his wife, Erzsébet (Felicity Jones), start a new life in America after World War II. He gains the attention of a wealthy businessman, Harrison Lee Van Buren (Guy Pearce), who hires him to design a new center for the arts.
Many viewers praise the first half of the film for its beautiful cinematography, powerful storytelling, and engaging character development. This section shows László’s struggle as an immigrant and his determination to make a name for himself. His talent and vision lead to success, and he finally begins to establish his legacy.
However, the second half of the film takes an unsettling turn. It shows László’s internal conflict with his Jewish faith, his struggle with substance abuse, and the lasting trauma caused by those who exploit him.
The relationship between László and his wealthy benefactor, Van Buren, becomes more disturbing, as the architect experiences manipulation and abuse. The film takes many surprising turns, leading to an intense and dramatic confrontation between Erzsébet and Harrison.
After Erzsébet confronts Harrison about the assault on her husband, the film suddenly jumps forward by more than 20 years. The audience never sees what happens to László in the aftermath of this moment.
Instead, the story moves ahead to 1980, where his niece, Zsófia (played by Raffey Cassidy and Ariane Labed), introduces a retrospective of his work in Venice.
The audience learns that László’s major architectural project, the Van Buren community center, was completed. Zsófia explains that the building represents Holocaust concentration camps and was designed to help survivors process their trauma.
During this retrospective, László sits quietly in the audience as his niece presents his work to the world. Zsófia then states, “No matter what the others try and sell you, it is the destination, not the journey.” This statement is significant because it implies that László’s struggles, sacrifices, and personal pain no longer matter—only the final result remains.
The Ending Reflects the Reality of the Artistic Process
Brady Corbet makes a bold choice by skipping over a key period in László’s life. The audience never sees his reaction to completing his masterpiece, nor do they witness his personal and emotional journey during those missing years.
In most films, a character like László would be given a reflective ending, where he looks back on his life and achievements. However, The Brutalist avoids this entirely. Instead, the film ends with an abrupt transition to a disco song playing over the credits.
This choice, along with the fact that Zsófia—a character who was mute for most of the film—delivers the final words, suggests that Corbet is challenging the audience’s expectations.
Corbet does not omit László’s later years because they are unimportant. On the contrary, these years likely hold deep emotional significance. However, by leaving them out, the film emphasizes how László loses his personal identity over time.
The trauma he experiences eventually consumes him, leading Erzsébet to urge him to move to Jerusalem, where he can reconnect with his faith.
Throughout his life, László admires how architecture can survive war and destruction, and in the end, his buildings become his only lasting legacy. Zsófia’s closing statement reinforces this idea—his artistic process and personal struggles are forgotten, while only his completed work remains.
The Film Mirrors the Challenges Faced by Artists Today
Throughout The Brutalist’s press tour, Corbet has openly discussed the challenges of maintaining creative freedom in the film industry. He has spoken about the difficulties of securing financial support while trying to protect his artistic vision.
The Brutalist mirrors these struggles by showing how László, as an architect, also faces external pressures and manipulation. The film suggests that artists are often seen as disposable, with their work being celebrated only after they have been pushed aside.
This theme is especially clear in the film’s final moments. While László’s work is honored in Venice, Zsófia uses the building to promote her own religious and political beliefs. She seems uninterested in the personal and emotional struggles that led to its creation.
This highlights a harsh truth about the art world—once a work is finished, its meaning can be reshaped by others. The film’s shift to low-resolution video and its sudden use of a pop song further reinforce this idea. Art, when separated from its original creator, can lose its depth and be misinterpreted.
The second half of The Brutalist breaks all expectations, leading to an ending that will be analyzed and debated for years.
Corbet presents a powerful and unconventional vision, leaving the audience to question the true meaning of artistic success. In the end, The Brutalist does not provide easy answers—it challenges viewers to think about the sacrifices made by artists and the way their work is remembered.
Also Read: ‘The Brutalist’ Ending Explained: Art, Power, and Betrayal in One Man’s Story
