Is the brutalist based on a true story and how to watch It in the UK
After the brutalist swept three golden globe awards, it has captured the attention of audiences eager to learn more about the film. Many are wondering whether the gripping story is rooted in real-life events and how they can watch it in the UK.
The period drama, written and directed by brady corbet, has been the subject of considerable buzz since its release. With a runtime of three hours and 35 minutes, the film features a standout performance from adrien brody, supported by a star-studded cast, including guy Pearce.
What is the brutalist about?
The brutalist centres around László Tóth (Adrien Brody), a hungarian architect and holocaust survivor who moves to the United States after world war II. Struggling to rebuild his life in poverty, tóth partners with harrison van buren (Guy Pearce), a wealthy yet deeply flawed benefactor.
While van buren initially champions Tóth’s architectural brilliance, his underlying prejudices and violent tendencies reveal the darker aspects of their relationship. The film delves into themes of postwar trauma, ambition, and the cultural landscape of mid-20th-century America.
The narrative, layered with emotional depth, has left many viewers questioning whether the story is based on real events.
Is the brutalist based on a true story?
No, the brutalist is not based on a true story. Writer-director brady corbet and co-writer Mona Fastvold intentionally avoided drawing direct parallels to any historical figures.
In an interview with the New York times, the filmmakers explained their efforts to create a wholly fictional narrative. They consulted the late architecture historian Jean-Louis Cohen to ensure no real architect shared a career trajectory similar to that of László Tóth.
“We wanted to talk about bigger concepts,” Fastvold explained. “If you’re locked into a real person, then it’s harder to do so because you’re married to what happened to them versus just looking at this period in time and the relationship between postwar psychology and postwar architecture.”
However, the film draws inspiration from historical references. Corbet cited Hilary Thimmesh’s book, Marcel Breuer and a committee of twelve plan a church, as a key influence in shaping László’s character. The book explores the work of Hungarian-born architect Marcel Breuer, whose experiences informed aspects of the fictional architect’s story.
Breuer’s sense of alienation upon moving to America and his architectural style served as critical reference points for The Brutalist team. While the plot is entirely fictional, the film’s portrayal of postwar architecture and societal challenges is steeped in historical accuracy.
How to watch the brutalist in the UK
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British audiences eager to experience The Brutalist on the big screen can do so when the film premieres in cinemas on friday, 24 january 2025.
With its lengthy runtime, viewers are advised to settle in with plenty of popcorn (and perhaps a cushion) for this immersive cinematic journey.
As of now, The Brutalist is not available for streaming in the UK. A streaming release date will likely follow its theatrical run, though no official announcement has been made. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for updates regarding its availability on digital platforms.
Why watch the brutalist?
With its sweeping narrative, meticulous attention to historical detail, and stellar performances, The Brutalist offers a rich and thought-provoking experience. Adrien Brody’s portrayal of a man navigating personal and professional battles in a postwar world has been widely praised, while Guy Pearce’s nuanced performance adds depth to the film’s exploration of human flaws.
Whether you’re drawn to the architectural elements, the historical setting, or the emotional resonance, The brutalist promises to be a standout feature for cinema enthusiasts.
Prepare for a powerful cinematic experience when the brutalist arrives in UK theatres this January.
