craftsmanshiP and Vision in "The Brutalist": A Director’s Perspective

Introduction to The Brutalist and Its Vision

My name is Brady Corbet, and I am the co-writer and director of The Brutalist, a film that explores the intersection of creativity, ambition, and criticism. The movie follows the character of Laszlo Toth, played by Adrien Brody, as he navigates the challenges of bringing his architectural vision to life. One of the most pivotal scenes in the film takes place in a granite quarry on the outskirts of Budapest, where Laszlo defends his project to a group of local community advocates and financiers. This sequence is not just a dramatic moment in the story; it’s also a reflection of the film’s broader themes of artistry, compromise, and the clash of ideas.

For this scene, we made the unconventional decision to shoot it in a single take. This approach was driven both by practical considerations and a philosophical commitment to capturing the authenticity of the moment. The quarry itself was chosen for its grandeur and scale, which we enhanced by adding dirt and mud to transform it into a set that felt lived-in and immersive. Every detail, from the location choice to the shooting style, was carefully considered to create a sense of realism and emotional depth.

The Quarry as a Filming Location: A marriage of Practicality and Aesthetics

The decision to film in a granite quarry was born out of necessity and opportunity. Building a set from scratch, complete with cantilevered floors and T-shaped beams integrated into concrete slabs, would have been prohibitively expensive. Instead, we found a location that offered the scale and grandeur we needed, and we worked to transform it into the perfect backdrop for the scene. By adding dirt and mud, we gave the quarry a grittier, more lived-in feel that aligned with the tone of the film.

The quarry also provided a unique visual landscape that couldn’t be replicated on a traditional set. Its natural beauty and industrial edges gave the scene a sense of authenticity that would have been difficult to achieve in a more controlled environment. Plus, the fact that it was already a large, open space allowed us to shoot in a way that emphasized the isolation and tension of the moment. The characters’ conversation, which takes place in a single continuous shot, feels all the more compelling because of the vast, imposing backdrop.

The Art of the Single Take: Philosophy and Practicality

Shooting the scene in one take was not just a stylistic choice; it was also a practical decision. From a scheduling perspective, it’s often easier to set up a single shot and refine it over multiple takes rather than shooting extensive coverage of every performer, as is common in most TV shows and films. This approach allowed us to focus on the nuances of the actors’ performances and the emotional weight of the dialogue.

Philosophically, I believe that cutting away from a scene should only happen when there’s a clear reason to do so. Otherwise, it can feel disjointed or even manipulative, breaking the spell of the moment. By keeping the action in a single frame, we create a sense of immediacy and authenticity that draws the audience deeper into the story. This approach also forces the actors to be fully present and engaged, as they know they’re being captured in real time. For Adrien Brody and the other actors in this scene, the single-take format added an extra layer of intensity and realism to their performances.

The Scene: Tension and Drama in Real Time

The scene itself is a masterclass in tension and emotional depth. Laszlo Toth, played by Adrien Brody, is defending his architectural project to a group of skeptics, including a local architect who has been brought in to evaluate his plans. The dialogue is sharp and confrontational, with lines like, “Everything that is ugly, cruel, stupid, but most importantly, ugly, everything… is your fault,” cutting deep into the characters’ psyches.

Throughout the scene, the camera moves fluidly, capturing the nuances of the actors’ expressions and the shifting dynamics between them. There’s a single overhead cut in the middle of the sequence, but it’s subtle and designed to orient the viewer without breaking the flow of the action. The result is a scene that feels both carefully choreographed and entirely natural, as if the audience is witnessing a real conversation unfold in real time.

Balancing Artistry and Pragmatism: The Making of The Brutalist

One of the most challenging aspects of bringing The Brutalist to life was balancing the artistic vision with the practical realities of filmmaking. From sourcing the perfect location to deciding how to frame each shot, every decision was made with both the story and the budget in mind. The quarry location, for example, was chosen because it offered the scale and grandeur we needed at a fraction of the cost of building a set from scratch.

At the same time, the film’s single-take approach was a bold artistic choice that required careful planning and execution. It’s not the easiest way to shoot a scene, but it was the right way for this story. By staying committed to this vision, we were able to create a film that feels both intimate and epic, with a level of authenticity that would have been hard to achieve through more traditional methods.

Conclusion: The Enduring Power of cinematic Storytelling

At its core, The Brutalist is a film about the power of ideas and the challenges of bringing them to life. Laszlo Toth’s journey is a metaphor for the struggles that all artists face, from securing funding to convincing others of the value of their vision. The scene in the quarry, with its single-take format and gritty, realistic aesthetic, is a microcosm of the film’s broader themes.

For me as a director, the experience of making The Brutalist was a reminder of the enduring power of cinematic storytelling. When you strip away the distractions and focus on the essentials—strong performances, evocative locations, and a compelling script—you can create something truly special. This film is a testament to the idea that even in the face of adversity, artistry and vision can prevail.