Exploring Brutalism: The Most Controversial Architectural Style Today

In a fascinating blend of cinema and architecture, director Brady Corbet’s latest film, *The Brutalist*, delves deep into the world of brutalist architecture. The film explores themes of immigration, identity, and the controversial nature of brutalism. With its rich narrative and visual storytelling, *The Brutalist* is set to make a significant impact on both the film and architecture communities.

The Intersection of Architecture and Cinema

Brady Corbet, known for his meticulous and thought-provoking films, has created a masterpiece that bridges the gap between architecture and cinema. In *The Brutalist*, Corbet uses the architectural style as a visual and thematic allegory to explore the immigrant experience in post-war America. The film follows László Tóth, a fictional Hungarian architect and Holocaust survivor, as he starts a new life in the United States.

Corbet’s choice to focus on brutalism is not just a stylistic one but a deliberate attempt to draw parallels between the architecture and the immigrant experience.

Brutalism as a Metaphor

Corbet argues that brutalist architecture mirrors the immigrant experience in many ways. He points out that this style was predominantly practiced by immigrant architects, making it a fitting subject for a film about an immigrant. The stark, imposing nature of brutalist buildings often evokes strong reactions, much like the feelings people may have towards newcomers from different backgrounds. This thematic connection adds a layer of depth to the film, making it more than just a visual spectacle.

Production Design and Architectural Authenticity

The film’s production designer, Judy Becker, played a crucial role in bringing the architectural elements of *The Brutalist* to life. Given the film’s budget constraints, Becker’s task was to create functional and visually striking sets that stayed true to the brutalist style.

Her design process involved drawing on her extensive knowledge of brutalism while also incorporating elements that would resonate with the film’s narrative.

Designing the Institute

At the heart of the film is the Institute, a monumental building designed by Tóth for businessman Harrison van Buren. Becker’s challenge was to create a structure that was not only visually impressive but also integral to the story.

She avoided referencing existing brutalist buildings, instead focusing on contemporary designs that play with light and space. This approach allowed her to create a unique building that still felt authentic to the brutalist style.

Incorporating Historical Elements

One of the most significant design challenges was incorporating elements from Tóth and his wife Erzsébet’s experiences in Nazi concentration camps. Becker found inspiration in the layouts of these camps, noticing that many had a T-shaped or cross-shaped design.

This realization led to a breakthrough in her design for the Institute, allowing her to create a building that was both a community center and a Protestant chapel, with a layout that held deep symbolic meaning.

Creating Impactful Sets on a Budget

With a budget of less than $10 million, the production team had to be resourceful in creating the film’s sets. Becker’s innovative solutions ensured that the sets were both functional and visually striking.

For example, to transform a glass conservatory into a library, she designed foldable, moveable shelves that created a forced perspective in the room. This design not only looked beautiful but also highlighted Tóth’s artistic talent, a crucial plot point in the film.

Attention to Detail

Becker’s attention to detail extended to the furniture designed for the film. Drawing on Tóth’s background as a Bauhaus-trained architect, she used tubular steel to create sleek, modern pieces that felt true to the character’s design sensibilities. This meticulous approach ensured that every element of the film’s sets contributed to the overall narrative and visual impact.

The Relevance of Brutalism Today

While *The Brutalist* is set in the post-war years, Corbet believes that the themes explored in the film are still relevant today. The continued antagonism towards immigrants in the United States makes the film’s message particularly poignant.

Corbet draws parallels between the instinct to tear down brutalist buildings and the desire to exclude immigrants, highlighting the ongoing relevance of these issues.

Controversial Yet Provocative

Brutalism remains one of the most controversial styles of architecture. It provokes strong reactions from both supporters and detractors.

Corbet’s film taps into this controversy. It uses it to explore broader themes of identity, belonging, and acceptance.

The film’s release is likely to reignite debates about the value and impact of brutalist architecture. This makes it a must-watch for both architecture enthusiasts and film lovers.

For more insights into *The Brutalist* and its exploration of architecture and immigration, you can read the full interview with Brady Corbet on Dezeen’s website here.