David Cronenberg Addresses Backlash Against The Brutalist
At a recent event at the London Soundtrack Festival, acclaimed Canadian director David Cronenberg shared his insights on the criticism directed at the Oscar-winning film The Brutalist during awards season. The talk featured Cronenberg alongside his long-time collaborator, composer Howard Shore, as they revisited their extensive body of work together.
A Reflection on Collaboration and Controversial Films
The duo reminisced about their creative partnership while discussing notable films like M. Butterfly, a complex narrative that follows a French diplomat portrayed by Jeremy Irons, who becomes romantically involved with Chinese performer Song Liling, played by John Lone. Their relationship spans two decades, culminating in a marriage veiled in secrecy regarding Liling’s true identity.
AI and Accents: A Comparison
Cronenberg drew parallels between the backlash faced by his film and the criticism surrounding the use of artificial intelligence to enhance Adrien Brody’s accent in The Brutalist. Brody, who won the Best Actor Oscar for his role, had his Hungarian accent improved through AI technology. “I must confess, there was a scandal [with] The Brutalist,” Cronenberg said during the discussion at London’s Royal Festival Hall, suggesting that rival Oscar nominees may have fueled the controversy. He likened it to previous industry maneuvers, akin to those of Harvey Weinstein, albeit with a modern twist.
The Art of Voice Manipulation in Film
Delving deeper into film techniques, Cronenberg remarked on how voice manipulation is a common practice in filmmaking. He noted, “In the case of John Lone, when he was this character, I raised the pitch of his voice [to sound more feminine], and when he’s revealed as a man, I lowered to his natural voice. This is just a part of moviemaking.”
Decades of Creative Partnership
Cronenberg and Shore’s collaboration dates back to 1979, with Shore having composed music for nearly all of Cronenberg’s films, with a few exceptions. During the session, they explored their milestones—including classics like The Fly (1986), Dead Ringers (1988), and Crash (1996)—leading up to their latest endeavor, The Shrouds (1994).
Musical Innovations and Narrative Depth
Shore highlighted how he integrates a variety of sounds into Cronenberg’s narratives, claiming, “What I like to think we tried to do is work around the frame.” He elaborated that his scores are designed to enhance the storytelling by adding layers and depth, rather than merely filling the silence.
A Legacy of Influence
The camaraderie between Cronenberg and Shore is rooted in their shared upbringing in Toronto, where Shore fondly remembers seeing Cronenberg navigate the city on his motorcycle. Now in their late 70s and early 80s, they reflect on the evolution of their artistic journey together. Shore noted that his distinctive sound can be traced through the 16 films they have created as a duo, emphasizing the interconnectedness of their work.
Controversies in Film History
During the talk, Cronenberg also revisited the stirring controversies surrounding his audacious 1996 film Crash, which explored themes of eroticism and car crashes. “The film caused a huge sensation at the Cannes Film Festival in 1996,” he recalled, mentioning a critic who labeled the film “beyond the bounds of depravity.” Shore humorously added how he stumbled upon a newspaper clipping calling to ban the film during a beach trip in Spain, highlighting the film’s polarizing reception.
No Regrets on Oscar Nominations
Finally, Cronenberg expressed a playful acceptance of not receiving an Oscar nomination throughout his illustrious career. “I’m Canadian… Oscars are an American thing,” he quipped, reinforcing his pride in his distinctive artistic identity.