“No matter what people tell you, it is about the destination – not the journey!” To be sure, the journey of the main character’s (Laszlo Toth) life is filled with struggle, pain, and simply trying to “hang on” through unspeakable trials, tribulations, and tragedies. This movie is a modern-day epic that tests the patience of movie-goers over more than 3 ½ hours (including a 15-minute intermission).  Fortunately, this is such an extremely well-made film that the time moves along at a good clip, particularly as more information about the characters and story unfolds.  It is NOT a neat and tidy film such that it forces the movie-goer to put the pieces of the plot together in a wonderfully complex mosaic.

Depending upon one’s perspective, the plot could be interpreted somewhat differently.  The basic plot follows critical pieces of the life of Toth who was a highly talented, Hungarian-Jewish architect (played brilliantly by Adrien Brody).  He is successful in escaping the perils of post-war Europe in order to pursue the “American Dream”.  Within the first five minutes, he is elated to capture a view of the Statue of Liberty in New York harbor. However, he quickly makes his way to the state of Pennsylvania, where the majority of the film takes place.  Now begins the difficult part as he does whatever he can to make ends meet whilst missing his family (still in Europe) and confused about who to trust in this new country.  Without giving away the story, it is with an apparent stroke of luck that he eventually seizes upon an opportunity to leverage his architectural talents.  As such, he is able to improve his situation and realize the possibility of bringing his family to the States to join him.

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The film seems to successfully capture the crucial challenges encountered by the post-war immigrant and illustrates how “unwelcome” America could have been to newcomers at that time.  Fair warning, this film is difficult to stomach at times, such that it includes rape, physical assault, sexual dysfunction, prostitution, rampant drug use, and Lazlo’s wife’s (Felicity Jones) heart-breaking battle with osteoporosis.  Nevertheless, one would not reasonably expect for an immigrant’s journey to be an easy one.

To be sure, the fan will be enthralled by the strong acting performances of Adrien Brody, Guy Pearce, and Felicity Jones.  At the time of this review, Brody had just won Best Actor (Drama) at the Golden Globes and there is little doubt that he will be a very strong contender when the Oscars roll around.

Try to catch this flick in 70mm such that you can enjoy sights of vast landscape scenes in an unspoiled, rural Pennsylvania as well as some of the forward-thinking, expansive, architectural marvels that Toth was able to create in his lifetime.  Finally, the musical score was one of the best I have heard in recent years, particularly when the music dramatically builds us up to the much-anticipated intermission.  I had a lump in my throat.  All said, if you truly appreciate well-rounded, excellent film-making, don’t dare miss this one.

Grade: A

About The Peetimes: To get you through this epic, four Peetimes have been identified.

The best Peetime is the third one;

The second one, is for emergencies only.

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There are no extra scenes during, or after, the end credits of The Brutalist.

Plot
When a visionary architect and his wife flee post-war Europe in 1947 to rebuild their legacy and witness the birth of modern United States, their lives are changed forever by a mysterious, wealthy client.