Adrien Brody returns to his role as a leading man in the upcoming film The Brutalist. At 51, Brody portrays László Tóth, a Hungarian-Jewish architect who makes the bold decision to immigrate to the United States from Budapest during the tumultuous times of World War II. In his quest for a better life alongside his wife Erzsébet, played by Felicity Jones, László finds an unexpected opportunity with Harrison Lee Van Buren, portrayed by Guy Pearce, which sets the stage for his most ambitious architectural project yet.
This film marks Brody’s only project slated for 2024, following a busy 2023 in which he released four feature films. Widely recognized for his strong collaborations with acclaimed director Wes Anderson, Brody’s association with the auteur spans five films. His career reached a historic pinnacle with his Oscar-winning performance in The Pianist (2002), where he became the youngest recipient of the Best Actor award in Oscar history.
As the theatrical release of The Brutalist approaches on December 20, ScreenRant engaged Brody in a discussion about his “intellectually stimulating”exchanges with director Brady Corbet. They explored how lighting influenced his portrayal of László Tóth and reflected on his trailblazing Academy Awards win, especially in light of a potential second nomination this coming year.
Adrien Brody’s “Intellectually Stimulating”Conversations With Director Brady Corbet
“I have great admiration for him and what he’s achieved…”
ScreenRant: Looking back on your career, could you share a single conversation that you would describe as “intellectually stimulating”?
Adrien Brody: (laughs) I’ve had countless intellectually engaging discussions with Brady Corbet, our director. We’ve delved deeply into the subjects surrounding the time period and our artistic aspirations, tackling the tension between conformity and individuality. I deeply admire his tenacity and fearlessness, which drives him not to compromise, even in a challenging landscape. His ability to guide us with such grace has been truly inspiring. Throughout my career, I’ve had the honor of working with many talented people who have instilled in me the importance of creating timeless cinematic works.
How Key Lighting Choices Enhanced Brody’s Performance
“There’s a fragility and sadness in that moment…”
This film has a runtime of 212 minutes, and even now, I can recall specific scenes vividly, especially one early on where László is forcibly removed from a furniture store. The lighting in that scene is especially dynamic, conveying a story even in the absence of dialogue. How does lighting guide your performances as an actor?
Adrien Brody: Lighting plays a critical role in enhancing or diminishing an actor’s work. It’s a collaborative art that has the potential to elevate a scene or, conversely, leave it lacking. In that particular moment, there’s a distinct fragility and sadness that unfolds—one marked by themes of loss, mistrust, and complicated family histories as everything feels like it’s slipping away from László once more. The trauma he faces is profound, yet he remains remarkably stoic, embodying endurance amidst chaos.
Adrien Brody Reflects on Setting an Oscars Record
Brody Remains the Youngest Best Actor Winner in History
With the upcoming Oscar nominations, The Brutalist is anticipated to garner significant attention. If I were to make a prediction right now, you seem like a strong contender for one of the Best Actor slots. Interestingly, if Timothée Chalamet, who stars in A Complete Unknown, wins this award, he would break your longstanding record as the youngest Best Actor winner. Reflecting on your win in 2002 for The Pianist, how did that accomplishment impact your career at the time?
Adrien Brody: Winning that Oscar was a transformative experience for me—one filled with profound beauty. Not only did I gain recognition from my peers whom I had long admired, but it also validated my work in a meaningful way. It was a moment that resonated beyond just winning an award; it was an acknowledgment of the significance of the messages conveyed through my performances. Sharing that night with my parents made it even more special. It was, without a doubt, a pivotal moment in my career.
About The Brutalist
Set against the backdrop of post-war Europe, The Brutalist follows visionary architect László Tóth, who flees to America with hopes of rebuilding his life, work, and marriage with his wife Erzsébet after wartime separations. Arriving in Pennsylvania, László’s exceptional talent in architecture is soon recognized by the affluent industrialist, Harrison Lee Van Buren. However, he quickly learns that power and legacy come at a considerable price…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdRXPAHIEW4https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdRXPAHIEW4
Stay tuned for our upcoming interviews related to The Brutalist:
- Guy Pearce & Felicity Jones
The Brutalist arrives in theaters on December 20.
Source: ScreenRant Plus