The fall festival season starts in late August. This season helps begin the race for awards. Many exciting films are premiering, such as Luca Guadagnino’s Queer, Pedro Almodóvar’s The Room Next Door, and Edward Berger’s Conclave. One film that has captured a lot of attention is Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist.
This movie has a talented cast and impressive direction. Critics have praised it highly, making it one of the top contenders for the Oscars this season. Here’s everything you should know about The Brutalist.
Does The Brutalist Have a Release Date?
Yes, The Brutalist will premiere on December 20, 2024. This means that fans and critics can finally see the movie on that day.
The movie had its world premiere at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2024. It also played at the 49th Annual Toronto International Film Festival, the 62nd New York Film Festival, and the 69th Valladolid International Film Festival. These festivals are important events where new films are shown and discussed.
After the movie’s premiere in Venice, the independent film company A24 acquired it. This addition fits with A24’s collection of award contenders, including Greg Kwedar’s Sing Sing and Luca Guadagnino’s Queer. A24 is known for producing and distributing many successful films, making it an important player in the film industry.
Will The Brutalist Receive a Wide Theatrical Release?
As of now, we know that The Brutalist will play in select theaters starting on December 20. This means that only a few theaters will show the movie at first. However, there is a chance that more theaters will show it later.
Since the movie was shot in VistaVision, it will also have screenings in 70mm film. VistaVision is a special film format that makes images look clearer and more beautiful. However, a list of theaters showing these special screenings has not yet been released.
Given the movie’s acclaim and its potential in next year’s Academy Awards, it is safe to assume that The Brutalist will expand into more theaters outside of New York and Los Angeles in early 2025. Many fans are excited to see the movie and hope it will be available in more locations soon.
Is There a Trailer for The Brutalist?
Yes, the first trailer for The Brutalist was released by A24 on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. Trailers are important tools for marketing movies, and they give viewers a sneak peek at what to expect.
The trailer runs for only 76 seconds, so it is short but powerful. It does not reveal too much about the plot, but it shows snippets from the film, giving viewers a taste of the visuals and the story. The trailer overlays text that highlights the cast, creating excitement for the movie.
One quote used in the trailer is “Monumental,” which several outlets used in their reviews of the movie. This quote suggests that the film is a big deal and that many people will talk about it. The trailer ends with a voice-over that simply says, “Welcome to America.” This line adds mystery and makes viewers curious about the film.
Who Stars in The Brutalist?
The Brutalist features an impressive cast, led by Academy Award winner Adrien Brody. He plays László Tóth, a Hungarian-Jewish architect and Holocaust survivor. László immigrates to America after World War II, hoping to achieve the American Dream. Brody’s role is important, as it captures the struggles and hopes of many immigrants.
At the age of 29, Brody became the youngest actor to win the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in The Pianist. He quickly became one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors, landing roles in big films such as Peter Jackson’s King Kong and M. Night Shyamalan’s The Village.
Brody has become a regular collaborator with director Wes Anderson, appearing in many of Anderson’s films, such as The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Darjeeling Limited, Fantastic Mr. Fox, The French Dispatch, and Asteroid City. His experience and talent make him a key part of this film.
Academy Award nominee Felicity Jones stars as László’s wife, Erzsébet. Jones received an Oscar nomination for her role as Jane Hawking in The Theory of Everything. Since then, she has participated in many high-profile projects, including Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, A Monster Calls, Inferno, The Midnight Sky, and On the Basis of Sex. Jones brings depth and emotion to her character, making Erzsébet relatable and memorable.
Guy Pearce also has a significant role in The Brutalist. He plays Harrison Lee Van Buren, a wealthy and successful industrialist. Harrison becomes an important client for László, which affects their lives significantly. Pearce has built a successful career with standout performances in films like L.A. Confidential and Christopher Nolan’s Memento.
He has also appeared in films and shows such as The Hurt Locker, The King’s Speech, The Road, Iron Man 3, Prometheus, Mildred Pierce, and Mare of Easttown. His presence in the film adds another layer of talent to the cast.
The rest of the ensemble cast for The Brutalist includes Joe Alwyn, Stacy Martin, Alessandro Nivola, Isaach de Bankolé, Raffey Cassidy, Emma Laird, and Jonathan Hyde. Each actor brings unique skills to their roles, contributing to the film’s full impact.
Back in September 2020, there were initial reports that Academy Award winners Marion Cotillard and Mark Rylance would join the cast alongside Joel Edgerton, Sebastian Stan, and Academy Award nominee Vanessa Kirby. However, none of those announcements came to fruition, which shows how the film’s development can change over time.
What Is The Brutalist About?
The Brutalist tells an engaging and emotional story. The official synopsis for The Brutalist, via A24, reads:
“Escaping post-war Europe, visionary architect László Tóth arrives in America to rebuild his life, his work, and his marriage to his wife Erzsébet after being forced apart during wartime by shifting borders and regimes.
On his own in a strange new country, László settles in Pennsylvania, where the wealthy and prominent industrialist Harrison Lee Van Buren recognizes his talent for building. But power and legacy come at a heavy cost…”
This synopsis sets the stage for a tale of struggle, ambition, and the impact of war on people’s lives. It highlights László’s journey from a war-torn Europe to a new life in America, facing various challenges along the way. The film’s themes of resilience and hope resonate with many viewers, making it a significant work.
The movie runs for an impressive 3 hours and 35 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission. This lengthy runtime allows for an in-depth scheme of the characters and their struggles.
Critics have compared the movie’s epic scope to classics like Citizen Kane, There Will Be Blood, Oppenheimer, and Lawrence of Arabia. These comparisons suggest that The Brutalist is a film that aims to make a lasting impact on cinema.
Who Made The Brutalist?
The Brutalist was directed by Brady Corbet, who co-wrote the screenplay with his partner Mona Fastvold. Corbet is an accomplished filmmaker who has made a name for himself in the industry.
He started his career as an actor, appearing in films and series such as Thirteen, Thunderbirds, Mysterious Skin, 24, Olive Kitteridge, and Melancholia. His transition from acting to directing shows his range as a creative artist.
In 2015, Corbet made his feature directorial debut with The Childhood of a Leader, which was well-received. He followed it up in 2018 with the polarizing drama Vox Lux, starring Natalie Portman. These earlier works helped establish Corbet as a talented director with a unique vision.
Corbet also serves as a producer on The Brutalist, working alongside Trevor Matthews, Nick Gordon, Brian Young, Andrew Morrison, Andrew Lauren, and D.J. Gugenheim. These producers bring their experience to the film, helping to ensure its quality and success.
The cinematographer for The Brutalist is Lol Crawley, who has collaborated with Corbet on his previous films. Crawley’s work helps create the visual style of the film, making it visually stunning.
Academy Award nominee Judy Becker serves as the production designer, Dávid Jancsó is the editor, and Kate Forbes is the costume designer. Daniel Blumberg composed the score for the movie, adding another layer of artistry to the project.
When and Where Did The Brutalist Film?
While the story takes place mostly in New York, much of the filming for The Brutalist took place in Budapest and Tuscany, Italy. These locations provide beautiful backdrops for the film, enhancing the visual storytelling. Production began in March 2023 and wrapped two months later in May. The shooting schedule shows how efficiently the team worked to bring the film to life.
As mentioned earlier, The Brutalist was shot in VistaVision. This format allows for higher-quality images and makes the movie look visually striking. It is significant to note that this film is the first American movie shot in this format in over 60 years, with the last film being Marlon Brando’s One-Eyed Jacks in 1961. This fact highlights the film’s ambition to break new ground in the industry.
Anticipation and Impact
The excitement surrounding The Brutalist continues to grow as more information is released. Fans eagerly await its premiere and hope to see it in theaters soon. The film’s powerful themes, talented cast, and impressive direction create a strong foundation for success.
Critics have praised the movie for its emotional depth and stunning visuals. The combination of a compelling story and a talented team behind the scenes makes The Brutalist a film that audiences will not want to miss.
The film’s themes of ambition, resilience, and the immigrant experience resonate with many people. These elements make it a relevant and important story in today’s world, where discussions about immigration and the pursuit of the American Dream are ongoing.
As the release date approaches, more trailers and promotional materials will likely be shared, increasing excitement and anticipation. Social media buzz and discussions among film enthusiasts will continue to grow as the film approaches its debut.
Conclusion
The Brutalist is shaping up to be one of the most important films of the awards season. With a star-studded cast, impressive direction, and powerful themes, it is set to make waves in the industry. Fans of cinema should keep an eye on this film as it prepares for its release.
The combination of storytelling, artistry, and emotion makes The Brutalist a film that aims to leave a lasting impact on its audience. As it gets closer to its premiere, the buzz surrounding it will only continue to grow.
Make sure to mark December 20, 2024, on your calendars for the film’s release. It promises to be an exciting addition to the world of cinema, and many viewers are eager to experience it.
