Brutalism Reimagined: An Architect’s Renaissance in the New World

Brady Corbet’s latest film, *The Brutalist,* is a crowning achievement in cinematic storytelling. It combines a rich narrative with a striking visual approach to explore the intersection of architecture, art, and personal survival.

This ambitious three-and-a-half-hour film is presented in two parts with a 15-minute interlude. It follows the journey of a Hungarian-Jewish architect, a Holocaust survivor, as he rebuilds his career and identity in the United States after World War II.

Utilizing innovative filming techniques and a linear storytelling approach, Corbet delivers an emotionally resonant ode to architecture’s transformative power. The film also addresses themes of redemption, legacy, and resilience.

Let’s dive deeper into what makes this film a masterpiece worth discussing—not just for cinephiles, but also for architects, historians, and anyone who appreciates how art and survival intertwine.

Revisiting the Golden Age of Cinematic Craftsmanship with VistaVision

One of the most fascinating artistic choices in *The Brutalist* is the use of *VistaVision*, a film technique that originated in the 1950s. Corbet modernizes this format by adapting it to 70-millimeter film.

This creates an almost overwhelming grandiosity that mirrors the towering ambitions of both the architect protagonist and the genre-defying aesthetic of the film itself. This bold visual decision amplifies the story’s scope, lending grandeur to every frame.

VistaVision in Architectural Storytelling

Why does VistaVision matter in a film about architecture? The answer lies in the parallels between the medium and the subject.

Just as Brutalist architecture is characterized by its massive, monolithic forms and raw, unpolished aesthetic, *VistaVision* on 70mm exudes a similar sense of scale and permanence. It’s a cinematic choice that metaphorically mirrors the physical structures the film’s protagonist dreams of building, transforming every shot into an architectural marvel in its own right.

The Narrative: A Journey of Resilience and Rebirth

At its heart, *The Brutalist* tells the fictional story of a Holocaust-surviving Hungarian-Jewish architect who immigrates to the United States. His pursuit of rebuilding not just his career but also his own identity is portrayed through a deeply personal lens.

This transition from vulnerability to professional rebirth is what makes *The Brutalist* resonate on an emotional and historical level.

More Than Just a Story About Architecture

While architecture serves as the vehicle for the film’s narrative, the story delves into much deeper waters. Themes such as survival, legacy, and the resilience of the human spirit permeate the story.

It reminds us that art—in this case, architecture—is not just about design, but about what it represents: the ability to leave a lasting imprint, even in the face of unimaginable adversity.

A New Direction for Brady Corbet

*The Brutalist* also represents a significant departure for Corbet as a filmmaker. Known for films like *Vox Lux* (which starred Natalie Portman), Corbet makes a bold shift in both storytelling structure and thematic focus.

While his earlier works often leaned on abstract, fragmented narratives, this movie follows a traditional, linear format. This choice complements the grounded, personal journey of the protagonist.

From Child Actor to Monumental Storyteller

Brady Corbet’s evolution from child actor to filmmaker has been anything but conventional. With *The Brutalist*, his third directorial project, Corbet is cementing his reputation as a creative force unafraid to tackle complex narratives.

By blending historical truths, fictional biography, and grand storytelling, he creates a cinematic experience that leaves audiences contemplating art, survival, and the indomitable will to create.

Thematic Depth: Architecture as the “Mother Art”

The film doesn’t just explore architecture as a profession—it treats it as an art form, what Frank Lloyd Wright referred to as “the mother art.”

The protagonist’s personal and professional journey becomes an homage to the visionary integrity of avant-garde architecture, underlining its influence as a cultural and emotional cornerstone.

The Emotional Core of Brutalism

For many, Brutalist architecture evokes thoughts of raw concrete and imposing structures; however, *The Brutalist* aims to reshape our understanding.

It ties these sturdy, seemingly cold forms to ideas of resilience and endurance, drawing a poignant parallel to the architect’s struggles and triumphs. This subtle yet powerful allegory elevates the audience’s connection to both the art and the narrative.

A Monumental Contribution to Cultural Discourse

At its core, *The Brutalist* is as much about the art of storytelling as it is about architecture.

By weaving a tightly constructed narrative with grand visual ambition, Corbet emphasizes the enduring power of art in all its forms.

His carefully crafted film underscores how artistic expression—be it through architectural innovation or filmmaking—shapes society, preserves hope, and defines resilience.

In delivering this monumental cinematic experience, Corbet reminds us of the indelible relationship between creativity and survival.

For architects, artists, and film lovers alike, *The Brutalist* serves as a stirring reminder that our creations—no matter the medium—are the legacies we leave behind.

 
Here is the source article for this story: ‘The Brutalist’: The rebirth of an architect in the New World