“The Brutalist”: A Visionary Architect’s Journey in Quest of Modernism

For those immersed in architecture, a film centered around a visionary architect and their craft inevitably demands the grandeur and length of cinema. The Brutalist by director Brady Corbet is no exception, clocking in with a mammoth 215-minute runtime that aligns with its thematic depth. This ambitious narrative has caught the attention of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, securing nominations in ten categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor.

The Rare Focus on Architecture in Film

While architects have been featured in movies since the dawn of cinema, their roles are rarely the central focus. Notable exceptions include King Vidor’s The Fountainhead (1949), where the architect is championed as a hymen to individualism; Peter Greenaway’s The Belly of an Architect (1987), which explores political stances within the architecture community; and last year’s Megalopolis, positioning the architect as the orchestrator of everyday life. Nevertheless, these films often miss capturing the multifaceted responsibilities and challenges architecture encompasses beyond mere design.

László Tóth: An Architect in a New Land

The Brutalist follows the fictional Hungarian architect László Tóth (Adrian Brody), who emigrates to Philadelphia after surviving the Holocaust and a forced separation from his wife (Felicity Jones). Initially working in his prosperous cousin’s furniture shop, Tóth’s career takes an unexpected turn when he is tasked with refurbishing an industrialist’s study, leading to a commission for an enormous library.

In this new environment, Tóth quickly becomes enmeshed in the demands of balancing his vision with those of the client, Harrison Van Buren (Guy Pearce), whose influence is as pervasive as his wealth. The architect’s struggle is a reflection on the intrinsic role of the client in shaping architectural outcomes, as elucidated by Aldo Rossi’s insight in The Architecture of the City: “the architecture that is going to be realised is always an expression of the dominant class.”

As the project progresses, so does Tóth’s plight, facing the complexities of health and safety regulations, budgetary constraints, and the pressures of delayed materials. Moreover, his quest for his wife’s reunification adds personal resonance to his professional journey.

The Heroic Journey of Modernism

The Brutalist is a heroic saga that echoes the struggles of many immigrant architects in post-war America. In this period, referred to by Philip C. Johnson as “the battle for modern architecture [having been] won,” structures like the Johnson Wax Tower, Lake Shore Drive Apartments, and the General Motors Technical Center exemplified the ambitious, expansive style that became the hallmark of US modernism. The film reflects this era through Tóth’s quest to fulfill his wife’s dream, symbolizing the intersection of personal and professional ambition within the broader narrative of modern architecture.

A standout scene sets the tone in the vast marble quarries of Carrara, Italy, where the film’s luxurious visuals contrast with the human toll of extraction, symbolizing the clash between nature and power. This sequence not only showcases the material aspect of architecture but also delves into the broader implications of architectural practice, challenging the ethics of resource exploitation and human endeavor.

Architects: Beyond Artistry

Architects are deeply involved in more than just aesthetics; they are integral to societal needs and evolution. Post-war, they were not only concerned with efficiency but also with creating identity and capturing the public’s imagination, while ensuring market value. László Tóth embodies this shift, with his capabilities spanning from artistic vision to technical knowledge, and from budget management to self-promotion.

The film’s portrayal of an immigrant architect in America is particularly resonant given the historical context of migration and cultural integration within the architectural profession. Prominent US modernists, such as Louis Kahn, Eero Saarinen, Walter Gropius, and Mies Van der Rohe, were themselves immigrants or refugees. This narrative reflects the rich cultural tapestry that underpins the architectural landscape in the United States.

Reflections on the Modern Architect’s Role

Watch the film, and let yourself be transported by the meticulous approach and sheer determination that define László Tóth’s journey. As the viewing concludes, it’s inevitable to ponder the multifaceted challenges and triumphs of the modern architect. The film beautifully captures the essence of the architectural profession, offering a nostalgic look at the planning process in the pre-digital era.

Although The Brutalist explores a fictional architect’s life, it resonates deeply with the real-world challenges facing architects. The film’s endorsement by the Academy underscores its significance in evoking empathy and understanding for the complex roles architects play.

In a world where design is often commodified and the human touch is sometimes overshadowed, The Brutalist serves as a refreshing reminder of the artistry, dedication, and resilience required to bring visionary structures to life.

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The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent the views of Archynetys.