Cinema is a part of my life. As a child, I still remember the days of watching Telugu movies in my hometown's single screen theater, getting immersed in the story and clapping when the hero won. The Brutalist is a movie that brings back such magic. The trailer of this movie was shown at the 81st Venice Film Festival in September 2024. Adrien Brody's performance, stunning visuals, and a heart-wrenching story... all of these things combined to captivate the audience. Let me tell you a little about this movie, the trailer, and my thoughts!
What's in the story?
The Brutalist is an emotional period drama directed by Brady Corbett. It is the story of Laszlo Toth, a Hungarian-Jewish architect who fights for a new life in America after World War II. Adrien Brody plays the role. Felicity Jones stars as Laszlo's wife, Erzsébet, and Guy Pearce stars as Harrison, a wealthy client. Laszlo's dream of achieving the American Dream, his artistic aspirations, and the struggle for identity... This story reminded me of the struggles I faced when I moved from my hometown to Hyderabad and settled in a new place. This film shows what it's like to try to prove yourself when no one recognizes you in a new place.
The film runs for 3 hours and 36 minutes, with a 15-minute intermission. A24 is releasing it worldwide in the US, and Focus Features is releasing it. Winning the Silver Lion award at Venice is a great honor for this film!
The trailer is an emotional ride!
A24 released this trailer on October 22, 2024. However, the first glimpse of the film was seen at the premiere in Venice on September 1. Watching the trailer, I remember the day I saw the Baahubali trailer in my hometown theater – all those goosebumps! The trailer starts with the scene of Laszlo coming to America from Europe. Watching the scene of seeing the Statue of Liberty at Ellis Island, I remember the surprise I had when I saw Hyderabad city on my first flight – that feeling of stepping into a new world!
Adrien Brody’s performance is amazing! When I watched The Pianist, I was captivated by his emotions, and the same illusion is there here too. Felicity Jones looks soft, Guy Pearce looks powerful. When I look at the shots taken in Vistavision by cinematographer Lol Crawley, I remember the neatly designed sets of our Telugu films. The brutalist architecture looks grand, capturing the vibe of post-war America. Daniel Blumberg's music gives the trailer a soul, and the background score for the first 10 minutes is amazing.
One scene in the trailer really touched me. Guy Pearce asks Laszlo, "Why is a talented architect here in Philadelphia mining coal?" Laszlo says, "It's not that easy." Watching this scene reminds me of my first job search days - how I felt when I didn't get a chance, no matter how talented I was! This scene really captures the hardships and discrimination faced by immigrants.
Venice in awe!
When The Brutalist premiered at the Venice Film Festival, there was a 12-minute standing ovation! Adrien Brody's eyes lit up with joy and emotion. Seeing him dedicate the applause to his team, I was reminded of the times when heroes praised the team at our Telugu film events. Critics hailed this film as “a milestone in American cinema.”
In a post on X, @firstshowing wrote: “Adrien Brody in his best role! Every shot is amazing, cinematography, music, sound... everything is top!” This trailer shows the emotion and visuals of the film and makes me want to go to the theater. When I saw the trailer, I shared it with my friends and said, “This is a movie we should watch in the theater!”
Why is it special?
Adrien Brody: Brody is heartbreaking in his role as Laszlo. This role is the best of his career, an Oscar nomination is certain!
Brutalist Architecture: This film is about the Brutalist style, reflecting the thoughts of people after the war.
Technical Magic: The visuals shot in 70mm, the music won awards.
Emotional Depth: Migration, art, identity... these themes touch the heart.
Finally...
The Brutalist trailer won everyone's hearts in Venice 2024. Adrien Brody's performance, Brady Corbett's vision, stunning visuals... all this made this film an emotional journey. This film gives Telugu cinema lovers a feel-good experience. For me, this film made me think about art and hopes in life. Watch it in theaters and share it with your friends!