The Brutalist

I’ve used the word masterpiece to describe many films before but this is possibly the most confidence I have ever said it with. This movie is a masterpiece. From start to finish I was fully engrossed and awestruck with this movie. I’m not often a fan of longer movies but this one used every single second of its 3 hour and 35 minute run time to its advantage and the pay off was absolutely massive. Whether it’s the first part, the second part, or the epilogue, every single moment is incredible and the way it is all tied together at the end left me both so satisfied and managed to take me by surprise one last time. The cinematography, the sound, the score, the editing, the writing, the story, everything from top to bottom is so well done here. I lack the words to properly express my feeling s about this but I want to at least acknowledge how interesting the cinematography is in connection with the plot. It’s almost as though the way things are shot in this film flow perfectly with the emotions the story is attempting to portray, it’s so cool to watch unfold. The undertones of pain and sadness that are present within this film are also so striking and really add to how deeply it cuts, even in its happier moments. Thank you Brady Corbet and everyone involved for everything you did with this. Adrien Brody puts on an all time performance here as well. I’ve never really seen much of his acting but this performance was simply insane. Unquestionably the best performance of the year in my mind and maybe one of the best performances I’ve ever seen. Everyone is great in this honestly, Guy Pearce and Felicity Jones especially, I now understand what the hype is all about. While I do not yet know where this will rank among my favourite movies of all time, I can say with confidence this is one of, if not, the best film of the decade so far. This is an absolute must watch not just for 2024 because it’s nominated for some awards, but for anyone, no matter what kind of movies you like. It is an absolutely phenomenal film and I’m so excited to see what Brady Corbet will do next.