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The Brutalists
Feb 25, 2025
Mark Lamster, an architecture critic and educator, joins Avery Truffleman, producer of "Brutalism 101," to dissect the controversial world of brutalist architecture. They explore a film about a struggling architect, revealing the complexities behind the brutalist style. The conversation touches on the misrepresentation of architects in cinema and the emotional responses to concrete structures. Listeners are invited to rethink their perceptions, especially regarding Boston City Hall, once called the ugliest building, now viewed through a historical and aesthetic lens.
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Quick takeaways
- The film The Brutalist explores the misunderstood nature of brutalism, highlighting the clash between artistic vision and community needs in architecture.
- It questions the romanticized portrayal of architects in cinema, emphasizing the collaborative and detail-oriented reality of architectural practice.
Deep dives
Exploration of The Brutalist Film
The film The Brutalist centers around a fictional architect named Laszlo Toth, who grapples with the challenges of constructing a community center in rural Pennsylvania. The narrative serves as a backdrop to a discussion on brutalism, particularly the dichotomy of its aesthetic appeal versus practicality. The film portrays brutalism as a concept misunderstood by many, often being unfairly labeled as merely unattractive modern architecture. Through this character's struggles, the film highlights the tension architects often face between artistic vision and community needs.
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