Alright, folks, buckle up for “The Brutalist,” a cinematic behemoth that’s about as subtle as a sledgehammer to the face – but in a good way, I promise!

The Good, The Bad, and The Brutalist

First things first, this movie is long. At 3 hours and 35 minutes, you might want to pack a snack and maybe a small pillow. But don’t let the runtime scare you off – this film moves faster than a New York minute, with barely a dull moment in sight.

The Plot Thickens (Like Concrete)

“The Brutalist” follows László Tóth, a Hungarian-Jewish architect played by Adrien Brody, as he navigates post-World War II America. It’s part immigrant story, part artistic journey, and part “American Dream Gone Wrong” cautionary tale.

Brody absolutely knocks it out of the park here. His performance is so good, you’ll forget he was ever in that one movie where he kissed Halle Berry for way too long at the Oscars. He brings a raw vulnerability to László that’ll have you rooting for him one minute and wanting to shake some sense into him the next.

A Visual Feast (With a Side of Existential Crisis)

Director Brady Corbet serves up a visual smorgasbord that’ll make your eyeballs dance. Every frame is like a painting come to life, if that painting was having an existential crisis about the nature of art and capitalism. The cinematography is so good, you might find yourself wanting to frame screenshots and hang them on your wall.

The Supporting Cast: A Mixed Bag of Nuts

Guy Pearce shows up as Harrison Van Buren, a wealthy industrialist who’s equal parts charming and terrifying. He’s like if Willy Wonka decided to get into real estate instead of candy. Felicity Jones joins the party fashionably late as László’s wife, Erzsébet, and while she gives it her all, her accent occasionally sounds like she’s auditioning for a community theater production of “Dracula”.

Themes Deeper Than a Brutalist Building’s Foundation

“The Brutalist” tackles more themes than you can shake a T-square at. We’re talking immigration, artistic integrity, the American Dream, anti-Semitism, and probably a few more that’ll only hit you at 3 AM a week after watching. It’s like if your college philosophy textbook decided to become a movie and hired a really good stylist.

The Verdict: A Monumental Achievement (With a Few Cracks)

In the end, “The Brutalist” is like its namesake architectural style – it’s bold, it’s divisive, and it’s definitely not for everyone. But if you’re willing to put in the time (and possibly a chiropractor visit after sitting for so long), you’ll be rewarded with a film that’s as thought-provoking as it is visually stunning.

Is it perfect? Nah. The ending feels a bit rushed, like Corbet suddenly remembered he had a golf tee time and needed to wrap things up. And at times, it can feel a bit too in love with its own misery. But hey, what’s a little existential dread between friends?

A Visual Spectacle: The 70mm Experience

Now, let’s talk about the cherry on top of this brutalist sundae – the 70mm presentation. While “The Brutalist” wasn’t actually shot on 70mm film (it was filmed on VistaVision 8 perf 35mm), it was finished and printed on 70mm for theatrical release. This decision elevates the viewing experience to a whole new level.

The 70mm format offers a level of visual fidelity that’s like upgrading from your grandma’s old TV to a 4K OLED. We’re talking sharper details, richer colors, and a depth that makes you feel like you could step right into the frame. It’s the difference between seeing the Mona Lisa in person and looking at a postcard of it.

This format choice isn’t just about showing off; it’s integral to the film’s themes of architectural grandeur and artistic vision. The expansive 70mm frame allows Corbet and cinematographer Lol Crawley to capture the sweeping vistas of post-war America and the intricate details of László’s architectural designs with equal aplomb.

So, should you watch “The Brutalist”? If you’re into epic historical dramas, complex characters, and don’t mind your movies with a side of “what does it all mean?”, then absolutely. And if you can catch it in 70mm, do yourself a favor and experience it in all its high-fidelity glory. Just maybe skip the large soda at the theater. Trust me on this one.