The Triumph of ‘The Brutalist,’ With Adrien Brody and Brady Corbet
Dec 31, 2024
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Adam Nayman, a film critic known for his sharp insights, joins Brady Corbet, the ambitious writer-director of 'The Brutalist,' and actor Adrien Brody, celebrated for his nuanced performances. They explore groundbreaking storytelling techniques, including the film's chapterized structure and its rich thematic connections to identity and familial ties. Corbet shares the creative journey and unique challenges of the production, while Brody reveals what drew him to the role and the technological innovations behind the film's striking visual style.
The podcast explores the themes of identity and resilience in 'The Brutalist,' particularly through the immigrant experience of protagonist Laszlo Toth.
Listeners learn about the complex duality between artists and benefactors as exemplified by the characters Laszlo and Harrison in the film.
Cinematic language and the decision to use VistaVision in 'The Brutalist' enhance both the aesthetic and the storytelling of the film.
The collaboration and mutual respect between director Brady Corbet and actor Adrien Brody highlight the significance of effective communication in filmmaking.
The narrative examines how historical context influences personal legacies, urging reflection on the impact of broader societal issues in individual artistic journeys.
Deep dives
The Transition to 2000s Music
The podcast covers the transition from the 90s to the 2000s in music, highlighting significant artists such as The Strokes, Rihanna, J-Lo, and Kanye West. It emphasizes how these artists shaped the sound and culture of the decade, marking a departure from the styles of the previous era. The speaker reflects on how the essence of music evolved during this time, moving towards a more diverse and experimental approach. This transition sets the stage for exploring the complexities and influences of 2000s music in future episodes.
Emotional Resonance of Holiday Memories
The podcast touches on the emotional significance of holidays, reinforcing that they are times for creating lasting memories with loved ones. It highlights the importance of sharing moments with family and friends, especially those not seen regularly. The message conveys how these encounters can foster a sense of magic and connection during the holiday season. This sets a backdrop for discussing the intertwining of personal stories and musical experiences throughout the episodes.
The Brutalist's Artistic Exploration
In conversations about the film 'The Brutalist,' the podcast delves into the artistic struggles of its protagonist, Laszlo Toth. The film tells the story of an immigrant seeking to rebuild his life post-Holocaust, exploring themes of identity and resilience. Laszlo's journey reflects the universal challenges faced by artists trying to balance personal vision with external expectations. The discussions reveal how the film's depth lies in its portrayal of the emotional and societal obstacles we encounter in the pursuit of art.
The Duality of Artistic Success
The listeners are introduced to the concept of duality in the lives of artists, specifically in the context of Laszlo Toth and Harrison Van Buren in 'The Brutalist.' While Laszlo represents the struggle and sacrifice of an artist, Harrison embodies the privileged position of the benefactor. This relationship illustrates the complexities of dependency and power dynamics inherent in the world of art. As the narrative unfolds, the podcast raises questions about the motivations and ethical implications of patronage.
Cinema's Reflective Power on History
The podcast emphasizes cinema's unique ability to reflect historical narratives and personal experiences, particularly through Laszlo's character in 'The Brutalist.' By showcasing how art and trauma intertwine, the film pushes audiences to reconsider the impact of history on individual identities. Listeners gain insight into the ways filmmakers can weave personal stories and broader themes of resilience and hope within their work. This exploration highlights the ongoing significance of storytelling in understanding our collective past.
Collaboration and Creative Synergy
The podcast discusses the collaborative efforts between director Brady Corbet and actor Adrian Brody during 'The Brutalist.' Their partnership is portrayed as one built on mutual respect and a shared vision, emphasizing the importance of open communication within creative processes. The chemistry between the two is highlighted, showcasing how their dynamic brought depth to their characters' interactions. This underscores the notion that successful filmmaking is often rooted in strong working relationships.
Theme of Alienation in Art
A central topic in the podcast is the theme of alienation as depicted in 'The Brutalist.' The film explores how artistic expression often comes from a place of disconnection and longing for acceptance. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the ways in which Laszlo's journey mirrors the larger societal issues of belonging and recognition faced by many immigrants. By unpacking this theme, the podcast drives home the idea that art can serve as a powerful means of grappling with identity and cultural assimilation.
The Impact of Cinematic Language
The podcast delves into the specific language of cinema used in 'The Brutalist,' particularly the decision to shoot in VistaVision. This choice not only enhances the film’s aesthetic but also serves as a practical tool to deepen audience engagement with the story. By creating a visually rich environment, the film invites viewers into Laszlo's world of creativity and struggle. Such discussions highlight the director's intent to use every aspect of filmmaking as a means of storytelling.
Historical Context and Personal Legacy
The podcast also emphasizes how historical context shapes personal legacies, particularly through Laszlo’s experiences as an immigrant artist. It articulates the notion that individual stories are often intertwined with broader historical narratives that impact communities. The film, thus, becomes a conduit for exploring themes of memory, resilience, and the human condition. This interplay between personal and historical significance enriches the understanding of art and its role in society.
Sean is joined by Adam Nayman for an extensive examination of the themes, production, and style of Brady Corbet’s ‘The Brutalist,’ one of the most anticipated and audacious movies of the year (1:00). They discuss the idea of a new movie aiming at the canon, Corbet’s filmmaking style and the marketing associated with it, the chapterized structure of the storytelling, the performances both at the center and on the edges of the frame, and more. Sean is then joined by Corbet (1:17:00) to discuss the circuitous route to getting the film on the big screen; how he sees a director’s job; writing with his partner, Mona Fastvold; working with Adrien Brody; and more. Finally, Brody joins the show to talk about what was so appealing about the 'Brutalist’ script, how he accessed the personal themes of the character he plays, the different technological hurdles of shooting in the long-dormant VistaVision format, and more (2:08:00).
Host: Sean Fennessey
Guests: Adam Nayman, Brady Corbet, and Adrien Brody
