Valdone Rudenkiene/Tie2.lt

“This is not a political film. It is a film about a man, a period in his life, and the framework of time. Unfortunately, there are many aspects of it that remain highly relevant today,” says two times ,,Oscar” winner Adrien Brody, who plays a Hungarian-Jewish architect fleeing to the United States after World War II in The Brutalist.

Adrien Brody claimed his second best actor Oscar for his role in “The Brutalist.” The 51-year-old New York City native had previously won for “The Pianist,” when he became the youngest best actor winner at age 29.

According to critics, the film explores post-war American architecture and the underlying elements embedded in its foundations during the building process. It delves into themes of antisemitism and capitalist ambition, the unassimilated immigrant experience, and the American “can-do” optimism in contrast to the deep, painful complexities of European culture.

We discuss these themes and more with the film’s lead actor, Adrien Brody, who won a Golden Globe for his performance.

What do you think this film says about American identity?

I think it speaks to the complexities of life—the complexities of a great nation like America. Many scenes in the film explore this connection between hope and dreams—the dreams of immigrants who escaped oppression and arrived in the United States seeking a better life—and the myth of the American Dream versus the harsh realities they face.

Of course, there are opportunities. Even in the film, we see that great opportunities can arise. But my character also experiences immense hardship and poverty. I think the film reflects this complexity. It’s hard to say whether life has become easier for people. It’s different.

There were tremendous hardships during World War II. But today, the world is still filled with difficulties. It remains crucial—not just in America, but everywhere—that people can find a home where they are not persecuted. That’s why the immigrant experience and the struggles they face are still highly relevant today

Why did you decide to take on this role?

First and foremost, it was a beautifully written script. Of course, there were many reasons. I had been searching for a role like this for a long time—not just the role itself, but also a filmmaker who would tell a story with such a broad perspective. When I read the script, I was deeply moved.

There are also many parallels that I personally relate to. I don’t know if you’re aware, but my mother was a Hungarian immigrant. She fled Hungary with her parents during the 1956 revolution and emigrated to the United States. While her journey was different from my character’s, it was fascinating to grow up with that history and to see how deeply it affected my mother and her work. Her artistic career was shaped by past hardships and traumatic experiences.

Her dedication to leaving behind a creative legacy speaks to my character’s journey and, honestly, to my own life and career—the desire to leave behind meaningful films that endure and tell the stories of other eras, struggles that remain relevant and can resonate with future generations. That deeply moved and inspired me, but it also felt like a responsibility—to respectfully portray the immigrant experience and capture the essence of a Hungarian man and his environment.

This is a film about a man utterly devoted to and obsessed with his work, among many other things. So, there were numerous aspects that struck a chord with me. I’m grateful for the opportunity and proud of what we all achieved in this film, especially Brady’s work and what it represents for independent cinema. Being part of a project like this means a lot to me.

You mention contemporary issues, particularly regarding antisemitism in the world today.

Yes. It’s frightening how the lessons of our past seem insufficient. This film is a testament to the power of storytelling. It’s not a political film—it’s a film about a man, a period in his life, and the passage of time. Unfortunately, many of its themes remain painfully relevant today.

I think the beauty of filmmaking lies in its ability to immerse you in someone else’s journey. You experience their struggles, draw parallels to your own life, or at the very least, empathize with the obstacles they face. But this is an ongoing problem that we must continue to confront. Unfortunately.

I was surprised to learn that the film was shot in just 33 days. Can you talk about your preparation for the role?

It required a great deal of preparation, partly because we had very limited resources, which meant limited time. Additionally, the film was shot in VistaVision, which imposes restrictions on what can be done—there were very few takes, and we had to execute complex long shots essential to the storytelling.

Everyone had to be extremely focused. But I’ve had experience with this kind of intensity in other independent films, so it wasn’t unfamiliar to me. Sometimes, these challenges foster a different level of creativity because you have to solve problems on the fly.

So, a lot of work went into preparation. But ultimately, so much of it comes down to Brady’s storytelling skills, his direction, and his clear vision—his ability to convey the many layers of life, drama, and the artistic ambitions portrayed in this film. It’s truly remarkable to capture all of that with such sincerity and emotion while addressing hardships that remain deeply painful for so many.

What was the most difficult part of filming for you personally?

I don’t like dwelling on the past. I try not to think about it too much. But I’d say the biggest challenge was the limited time. I think it was difficult for everyone. We didn’t have the resources to extend the shoot. More days would have been ideal.

The script was incredibly detailed, yet we had to film everything in a much shorter timeframe than a production of this scale typically requires. That made the entire creative process extremely challenging. It was tough for everyone. But creatively, it was also an intense and immersive experience. We all supported each other throughout.

Brady Corbet’s epic drama The Brutalist premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, where Corbet won the Silver Lion for Best Director. The film received critical acclaim and was named one of the best films of 2024 by the American Film Institute. It won three Golden Globe Awards at the 82nd ceremony, including Best Motion Picture – Drama. Adrien Brody won his second best actor Oscar for the role in “The Brutalist.” The 51-year-old New York City native had previously won for “The Pianist,” when he became the youngest best actor winner at age 29.