Fresh Air Episode Summary: "Adrien Brody Was Made For 'The Brutalist'"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Fresh Air
• Host: Tonya Mosley
• Guest: Adrien Brody
• Episode Title: Adrien Brody Was Made For 'The Brutalist'
• Release Date: January 7, 2025

Introduction to Adrien Brody and "The Brutalist"

In this episode of Fresh Air, host Tonya Mosley welcomes acclaimed actor Adrien Brody to discuss his latest film, "The Brutalist". Brody portrays Laszlo Toth, a Hungarian refugee navigating post-war America, embodying a character deeply rooted in personal and historical trauma.

Mosley provides an overview of the film, highlighting its 3-hour and 35-minute runtime and its award-winning status, including a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture Drama and Best Actor for Brody. She draws parallels between "The Brutalist" and Brody's iconic role in The Pianist (2002), emphasizing his ability to convey profound emotional depth.

Personal Connections and Character Preparation

Personal Resonance with the Role: Brody reveals a deep personal connection to Laszlo Toth, drawing from his mother's experiences as a Hungarian refugee.

"It's a remarkable thing to find something that speaks to a struggle, a resiliency and a sense of something so intimate, like my mother's journey of fleeing Hungary..."
— Adrien Brody (02:39)

He discusses how the script resonated with him on both a personal level and as a universal story of overcoming adversity. Brody emphasizes the authenticity he brings to the role by reflecting on his family's history and his grandfather's experiences as an outsider striving to assimilate.

Learning Hungarian and Dialect Work: To authentically portray Toth, Brody immersed himself in the Hungarian language and dialect typical of immigrants in the 1940s.

"I worked with a wonderful dialect coach and we found men of the '50s, of that era, when my grandfather had arrived. It was important to me that it rang true."
— Adrien Brody (06:35)

He also incorporated unscripted Hungarian curse words from his childhood, adding layers to the character’s authenticity.

Honoring Family Legacy: Brody reflects on his late grandfather, finding similarities between himself and the character, which further enriched his performance.

"They know how similar I was to him and how he was to me... It has kind of given purpose to their sacrifice."
— Adrien Brody (07:22)

Filming "The Brutalist" in Hungary

Mosley notes that although the film is set in Philadelphia, it was shot in Budapest to capture the post-World War II aesthetic. Brody explains the practical and emotional reasons for this choice.

"We shot in Budapest because of the film labs and the authentic look and feel that the city provides. Being surrounded by Hungarian crew helped me stay connected to the era."
— Adrien Brody (09:04)

The decision to film in Hungary allowed for a more genuine representation of the time period, enhancing the film’s visual and emotional impact.

Collaboration with Director Brady Courbet

Brody praises director Brady Courbet for his vision and the film's technical aspects, particularly the use of VistaVision, reminiscent of Hitchcock’s North by Northwest.

"The Brutalist explores the harsh realities of the American dream and it's visually stunning... the sweeping nature is reminiscent of my work in The Pianist."
— Adrien Brody (01:00:00)

He discusses the intricate process of filming, highlighting the importance of silence and pacing in conveying the immigrant experience.

Adrien Brody’s Acting Philosophy and Method

Commitment to Authenticity: Brody emphasizes his dedication to embodying his characters fully, often undergoing significant physical and emotional transformations.

"I only do what I feel is necessary to find a closeness and a sense of truth so that I can, you know, 'act less' and feel honest in an interpretation."
— Adrien Brody (13:50)

He draws parallels between his roles in "The Pianist" and "The Brutalist," noting that both characters endure significant personal and societal struggles that shape their artistry.

Early Career and Influences: Brody reflects on his beginnings in acting at 12 years old and the influence of his parents, particularly his mother’s work as a photographer.

"My mother’s work has been so influential on me as an artist... I was seeing imagery everywhere and beautiful imagery."
— Adrien Brody (34:21)

He credits his upbringing in New York City and his early exposure to diverse environments as foundational to his understanding of character development.

Working with Wes Anderson

Brody shares insights into his long-standing collaboration with filmmaker Wes Anderson, having starred in five of Anderson's films, including The French Dispatch and Fantastic Mr. Fox.

"Wes is such an amazing person and fantastic and unique filmmaker... living in India and working on Darjeeling Limited was a beautiful life experience."
— Adrien Brody (22:30)

He describes the precision required in Anderson’s distinctive filming style, emphasizing the collaborative effort needed to execute complex scenes seamlessly.

"As you're in that shot, everyone's hoping that nobody else drops the ball because you have to just do it again and again until you're all in sync."
— Adrien Brody (26:26)

A specific challenge Brody recounts is a scene in The French Dispatch involving intricate camera movements and complex monologues, highlighting the high level of teamwork and focus required.

Influence of Family and Artistic Heritage

Brody discusses the profound impact his parents, especially his mother, had on his artistic sensibilities and career choices.

"My parents are a unit... they've always nurtured me and not suppressed my individuality."
— Adrien Brody (34:21)

He elaborates on how growing up surrounded by his mother's photography fostered his appreciation for visual storytelling and imagery, crucial elements in his acting career.

"I tend to retain a lot both in photographic memory and an emotional recall of things... I try to bring it to life within me in the roles that I play."
— Adrien Brody (37:16)

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Tonya Mosley wraps up the interview by highlighting Brody's dedication to his craft and his ability to draw from personal and familial experiences to deliver powerful performances.

"Adrien Brody stars in the award-winning film The Brutalist. It's now playing in select theaters including IMAX, and opens nationwide on January 17th."
— Tonya Mosley (39:36)

Brody expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share his work with his family and acknowledges the profound impact of his parents' sacrifices on his career.

"I'm really profoundly grateful to be able to present to her [my mother]."
— Adrien Brody (38:32)

Key Quotes with Timestamps

• Adrien Brody on Personal Connection:
  "It's a remarkable thing to find something that speaks to a struggle, a resiliency and a sense of something so intimate..."
  (02:39)

• On Learning Hungarian:
  "We found men of the '50s, of that era... it was important to me that it rang true."
  (06:35)

• Reflecting on Family Influence:
  "They know how similar I was to him and how he was to me... it has given purpose to their sacrifice."
  (07:22)

• Acting Philosophy:
  "I only do what I feel is necessary to find a closeness and a sense of truth so that I can, you know, 'act less' and feel honest in an interpretation."
  (13:50)

• Collaboration with Wes Anderson:
  "As you're in that shot, everyone's hoping that nobody else drops the ball because you have to just do it again and again until you're all in sync."
  (26:26)

Final Notes

Adrien Brody's discussion on Fresh Air provides an in-depth look into his multifaceted approach to acting, his personal connections to his roles, and his collaborative experiences with renowned directors like Wes Anderson. "The Brutalist" stands as a testament to Brody's dedication to portraying complex characters shaped by historical and personal adversities, continuing his legacy of impactful performances.