Adrien Brody plays Hungarian emigrant in new film, forms deep connection with role

The American film The Brutalist tells the story of László Tóth and his wife, Erzsébet, a Hungarian couple who emigrate to the United States after surviving the Holocaust. Adrien Brody, who takes on the lead role of László, revealed at the Venice Film Festival that his mother’s Hungarian heritage gave him a profound connection to his character, Index reports.

The Venice Film Festival has attracted numerous actors and directors, including Adrien Brody, Guy Pearce, and Felicity Jones, who star in The Brutalist. The film centres on László Tóth, a Jewish architect from Hungary who moves to America in 1947 in pursuit of the American dream. Initially struggling with poverty, László’s life takes a dramatic turn when he secures a life-changing contract with a wealthy and enigmatic client, Harrison Lee Van Buren, played by Guy Pearce.

During the festival, Adrien Brody explained that his connection to the character was influenced by his mother, Sylvia Plachy, a renowned photographer of Hungarian descent.

Adrien Brody said: “She is a wonderful photographer, but also a Hungarian émigré who fled Hungary in 1956 during the Hungarian Revolution. She emigrated to the United States and, like László, rebuilt her life in pursuit of the American dream as an artist.”

Adrien Brody continued, “I deeply understand the impact of the Holocaust on my mother’s life and her artistic work, which parallels the character’s experiences in the film. The movie portrays how war influences creativity and affects all aspects of life, highlighting the psychological journeys that unfold. Although it’s a work of fiction, it feels profoundly real, and it’s important that films like this not only depict history but also remind us of the lessons it holds for our present.”

Hungarian successes in Venice: films shot in Budapest premiere at the festival

Apart from Adrien Brody, The Brutalist also features Hungarian actors in supporting roles. The film’s editing was done by Dávid Jancsó, the son of the celebrated director Miklós Jancsó, who has previously worked on films such as Delta, White God, and Pieces of a Woman, according to HVG.

The grand, three-and-a-half-hour historical drama received extended standing ovations, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Filming took place in Hungary and Italy in 2023.

Other Hungarian highlights at Venice included the premiere of Zsófia Szilágyi’s new work, January 2, which was supported by the Venice Biennale College – Cinema. This film, which focuses on a separation seen through the eyes of a third party rather than the main characters, was also well-received.

Additionally, Chilean director Pablo Larraín’s biographical drama about Maria Callas, starring Angelina Jolie, was filmed in Budapest and premiered at the festival. The film, which explores the final days of the iconic opera singer, captivated audiences, as reported by Magyar Nemzet. The 81st Venice International Film Festival will conclude on 7th September with its awards ceremony.

Read also:

• Hungarian film shortlisted for European Film Awards – Read here
• Fantastic! Hungarian animation film won international award, and qualified for the Oscars! – Read here

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