Fresh Air cover image

Fresh Air

Adrien Brody Was Made For 'The Brutalist'

Jan 7, 2025
Adrien Brody, the Oscar-winning actor famous for his roles in The Pianist and The Grand Budapest Hotel, shares insights into his award-winning performance in The Brutalist. He reveals how his family's history shaped his portrayal of a Holocaust survivor transitioning to post-WWII America. Brody discusses his collaborative experience with Wes Anderson and reflects on the significance of silence and pacing in storytelling. The conversation also touches on personal roots in acting, romantic themes in cinema, and the delicate balance of filmmaking.
44:28

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Adrien Brody draws on his mother's experiences as a Hungarian refugee to authentically portray the immigrant struggle in 'The Brutalist'.
  • The film's shooting location in Hungary promotes cultural authenticity while enhancing the narrative's post-war aesthetic and emotional depth.

Deep dives

The Brutalist and Its Theme of the American Dream

The film features Adrian Brody as a Hungarian refugee navigating the complexities of the American dream after escaping post-war Europe. His character, Laszlo Toth, arrives in Pennsylvania in 1947 and becomes embroiled in a relationship with a wealthy industrialist, played by Guy Pearce, who hires him to design a community center. This partnership showcases the juxtaposition of aspiration and the harsh realities many immigrants face when trying to rebuild their lives. The film's narrative poignantly underscores the struggles and sacrifices associated with the pursuit of a better future.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode