The Brutalist

Screened at the Mary Pickford Theatre, Cathedral City, California. The epic vibes were strong in the build up to this film's release, clearly trying to match the grand expectations that were felt when the architect, this film's subject, was working on a new project. Luckily the film was done rather adeptly. So much so that the running time of 3 hours and 34 minutes actually flew by for me for the most part. I was engaged and found his story quite interesting, anchored by a great performance from Adrien Brody in the lead who I feel not only deserved his Golden Globe win for Best Actor in a Dramatic Film, but should rightly take home his second Oscar at the Academy Awards for his portrayal here. It was quiet, and subtly PERFECT.

So why, despite all the hype, build-up and eventual acclaim, did I feel rather empty leaving the theater? Was the vibe of Brutalist architecture getting me down? I can't imagine so as I actually LOVE that style, in ALL its brutality. Its just the entire time I was watching this, and admiring how well done it is overall, that nearly 4 hours of a great performance and I still felt nothing for this story? What I do know for sure is the second half of the film was a string of pretty bad choices, including an awkwardly chosen and presented ending which led to one simple thought: What the fuck WAS that?

I don't know, people seem to love it overall, and I can mostly understand why it would be recommended because there is much to like and admire here. But sometimes it felt like the running time was chosen beforehand, which left to some decision-making lacking focus, which took me right out of it and left me disappointed overall. But I would also recommend it as it's worth the trip and forming your own take.