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.
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.
Personal Connections and Artistic Influence
Adrian Brody shares a deep personal connection to his role, reflecting on his mother's journey as a Hungarian refugee who fled the Revolution in 1956. He describes how her experiences enriched his understanding of resilience and struggle, enabling him to embody the character authentically. Their discussions about her past have been formative in shaping Brody's approach to portraying the immigrant experience. The intimate storytelling rooted in familial history adds layers of depth to his performance, resonating with audiences from various backgrounds.
Significance of Language and Dialect in Performance
To authentically portray Laszlo, Brody delved into the nuances of Hungarian language and culture, even learning specific dialects to capture the character's authenticity. He emphasizes the necessity of understanding the struggles of an immigrant, including the challenges of language assimilation and cultural identity. This attention to detail not only adds credibility to his performance but also highlights the broader theme of feeling isolated in a foreign land. Engaging a dialect coach helped him mold the required sound and rhythm that mirrors the experiences faced by many immigrants.
Collaborative Efforts and Filmmaking Choices
The film's director, Brady Corbet, chose to shoot The Brutalist in Hungary to emulate the post-war aesthetics essential to the story's setting. This decision not only reinforced the film’s authenticity but also allowed the crew, largely comprising Hungarian professionals, to contribute invaluable cultural insights. Brody discusses the collaborative nature of filmmaking, highlighting how chemistry among the cast and crew enhances performances and storytelling. The filmmaker's choice to embrace longer scenes fosters an immersive experience, allowing audiences to connect more deeply with the characters' emotional journeys.
Adrien Brody won a Golden Globe for his role in The Brutalist, as a Hungarian-Jewish architect and Holocaust survivor who seeks a fresh start in post-WWII America. "I just was in awe when I read the script," he says. Brody spoke with Tonya Mosley about how his family's history helped him with the role, and about his collaboration with Wes Anderson.
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