Pop Culture Happy Hour: "The Brutalist" Episode Summary

Release Date: January 21, 2025
Podcast: Pop Culture Happy Hour
Hosts: Linda Holmes, Glen Weldon, Stephen Thompson, Aisha Harris
Episode Title: The Brutalist

Introduction to "The Brutalist"

In this episode of NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour, the hosts delve deep into the Oscar-buzzing film "The Brutalist." Stephen Thompson initiates the discussion by highlighting the film's rising acclaim within the awards circuit.

Stephen Thompson (00:20): "The new movie, the Brutalist is earning a lot of Oscar buzz."

Plot Overview

Linda Holmes provides a succinct overview of the film's premise, introducing Adrien Brody as Laszlo Toth, a fictional Hungarian architect fleeing Europe post-World War II.

Linda Holmes (00:25): "It stars Adrien Brody as a fictional Hungarian architect who settles in America after his family is torn apart. World War II. It's a three and a half hour epic with much to say about assimilation, wealth and the creative process."

Stephen elaborates on the film's structure, noting its division into two parts separated by an intermission. The narrative follows Laszlo's ascent from a day laborer to a prominent architect under the mentorship of Guy Pearce's character, Harrison Lee Van Buren Sr.

Stephen Thompson (00:51): "The Brutalist is about a Jewish architect named Laszlo Toth. He's played by Adrien Brody. Early in the film, Laszlo works his way up from nothing as a day laborer, but gets a big break when he encounters a wealthy and temperamental industrialist named Harrison Lee Van Buren Sr. He's played by Guy Pearce."

Themes Discussed

Art vs. Commerce

Aisha Harris finds the film's exploration of the tension between artistic integrity and commercial demands particularly compelling.

Aisha Harris (02:19): "What for me was probably the most fascinating thing about this, which push and pull of artistry and commerce."

Linda echoes Aisha's sentiments, appreciating the film's focus on a less universally celebrated art form—Brutalist architecture—and its portrayal of passion and creativity under capitalist pressures.

Linda Holmes (03:40): "This is a film about art that people are incredibly passionate about... Brutalist architecture is not something that automatically people kind of come to it, wanting to enjoy it for the fun of how beautiful everything is... It really lets you understand why people find them beautiful, why Laszlo finds them beautiful."

The American Dream

Both hosts discuss how "The Brutalist" reinterprets the classic American Dream narrative through the lens of an immigrant artist striving for success amidst societal and economic challenges.

Aisha Harris (02:19): "It just did a really good job of really getting into those details and feeling like a different kind of story about the American dream and what it means to be an artist."

Performances

Adrien Brody as Laszlo Toth

Adrien Brody's portrayal of Laszlo is lauded for its depth and complexity. Linda emphasizes his ability to balance sympathy with the character's flaws.

Linda Holmes (11:19): "Adrien Brody... this performance could be candidly, real rote and Oscars y in different hands. Sure. I think he does a very good job of maintaining the amount of control that you need for this character to be sympathetic."

Guy Pearce as Harrison Lee Van Buren Sr.

Guy Pearce's character is described as a wealthy patron whose envy of Laszlo's artistry drives much of the film's tension.

Aisha Harris (11:33): "Guy Pearce, that character, is so fascinating because he is a rich, wealthy guy who actually... deeply envious of Lazlo's art."

Linda appreciates Pearce's nuanced performance, avoiding overly stereotypical portrayals of wealthy benefactors.

Linda Holmes (12:59): "...having him play the role in Laszlo's life without making him come on from the very beginning like Mr. Potter in It's a Wonderful Life."

Felicity Jones as Erzebet

Felicity Jones delivers a compelling performance as Laszlo's wife, Erzebet, navigating her own struggles alongside her reunion with Laszlo.

Aisha Harris (11:33): "Felicity Jones... their reunion is so fraught with bitterness and sadness and distance... I thought that these performances were really, really great."

Cinematography and Visuals

Stephen Thompson praises the film’s visual craftsmanship, particularly noting its use of VistaVision film stock, a first for an American film since 1961.

Stephen Thompson (17:29): "This is the first American film shot entirely on VistaVision since 1961... There is an element of, like, look at what we did for relative pittance."

Linda adds that every visual element, including the creative title sequences, meticulously aligns with the film’s themes.

Linda Holmes (19:08): "The titles are really interesting... You can just tell that everything that was going to happen in this movie was thought through carefully."

Structure and Intermission

The hosts extensively discuss the film’s decision to include an intermission, which serves both practical and narrative purposes by distinctly separating the optimistic first half from the more tumultuous second half.

Linda Holmes (15:27): "All hail the intermission. Man, I thought that was so smart."

Stephen Thompson (07:17): "That intermission is not only giving your bladder a rest, it's also separating these two very different halves that feel in some ways like two very different movies."

Music and Score

Stephen Thompson is enamored with Daniel Bloomberg's score, highlighting its multi-layered complexity that complements the film's dual narratives.

Stephen Thompson (17:29): "Daniel Bloomberg does the score... it's a beautifully scored film."

Specific Scenes Highlighted

Library Unveiling Scene (05:02)

Linda reminisces about a poignant scene where Laszlo unveils a library he designed, emphasizing the elegance and simplicity that define Brutalist architecture.

Linda Holmes (05:02): "There are really some choices made in how the architecture projects are shot in this film that really lets you understand why people find them beautiful."

Confrontation Scene (08:40)

Stephen describes a powerful moment where Laszlo confronts a budget consultant, epitomizing the struggle between creative freedom and financial constraints.

Stephen Thompson (08:40): "Laszlo is essentially throwing a temper tantrum... everything that's cruel and stupid in the world is your fault."

Intimate Bedroom Scene (19:07)

Aisha highlights a visually striking scene reminiscent of a 1950s oil painting, showcasing the film's artistic cinematography.

Aisha Harris (19:14): "It's like, yeah, the brutalist architecture. But this scene in this tiny little bedroom was just floored me."

Conclusions and Overall Impressions

The hosts collectively commend "The Brutalist" as a masterfully crafted film, especially impressive given its modest $10 million budget. They appreciate its ambitious storytelling, rich performances, and aesthetic choices, though some enjoyably note minor shortcomings.

Stephen Thompson (20:09): "Very good movie to be made on a budget. Clearly the lesson here is that filmmakers should have to work under tremendous constraints."

"What's Making Us Happy This Week" Segment

Following their in-depth analysis of "The Brutalist," the hosts transition to their favorite segment, sharing personal sources of happiness:

• Aisha Harris reminisces about rewatching the 90s kids' TV show Legends of the Hidden Temple, now streaming on Paramount. She appreciates the nostalgic joy it brings.

  Aisha Harris (22:52): "Legends of the Hidden Temple is streaming on Paramount, which is where I am watching it."

• Linda Holmes discusses watching the James Acaster Special: Heckler's Welcome on Max, praising its creative editing and Acaster's exploration of his relationship with audiences.

  Linda Holmes (24:14): "James Acaster, Heckler's Welcome... it's a great special."

• Stephen Thompson celebrates the release of SZA's expanded album Lana, an extension of her 2022 album SOS. He highlights the seamless integration of new tracks that feel both fresh and cohesive.

  Stephen Thompson (25:21): "SZA's new experience expansion of SOS it's called Lana, and it's available absolutely everywhere."

Final Remarks

The episode concludes with the hosts thanking each other and encouraging listeners to share their thoughts on "The Brutalist" via Facebook, Letterboxd, or NPR PopCulture platforms.

Stephen Thompson (27:21): "Linda Holmes, Aisha Harris, thanks so much for being here."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Stephen Thompson (00:20): "The new movie, the Brutalist is earning a lot of Oscar buzz."
• Aisha Harris (02:19): "What for me was probably the most fascinating thing about this, which push and pull of artistry and commerce."
• Linda Holmes (05:02): "It really lets you understand why people find them beautiful, why Laszlo finds them beautiful."
• Stephen Thompson (08:40): "Everything that's cruel and stupid in the world is your fault."
• Aisha Harris (19:14): "This scene in this tiny little bedroom was just floored me."
• Stephen Thompson (17:29): "Daniel Bloomberg does the score... it's a beautifully scored film."

Conclusion

Pop Culture Happy Hour's episode on "The Brutalist" offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the film's narrative depth, thematic complexity, and artistic execution. The hosts' insightful commentary, supported by compelling quotes and thoughtful analysis, provides listeners with a thorough understanding of why "The Brutalist" stands out in contemporary cinema.