Why The Brutalist Was Shot on VistaVision: An Inside Look at a Cinematic Journey

The Brutalist has emerged as one of the most talked-about films of the year, distinguished by its ambitious storytelling and unique cinematographic techniques. Directed by Brady Corbet, this epic film chronicles the life of László Tóth, a Hungarian-Jewish architect who flees the horrors of the Holocaust to build a new life in America. What sets The Brutalist apart is its choice to shoot almost entirely on a nearly obsolete film format, VistaVision, which was last predominantly featured in Hollywood during the 1960s.

The Story Behind The Brutalist

The film stars Adrien Brody as László Tóth, alongside Felicity Jones and Guy Pearce. Over a runtime of 215 minutes, the movie spans more than three decades, immersing audiences in the profound journey of its protagonist. As László navigates the complexities of post-war life, he awaits the arrival of his wife, Erzsébet, who is struggling to escape Eastern Europe.

Co-written with Corbet’s wife, Mona Fastvold, The Brutalist is not just a narrative about triumph and resilience; it also tackles themes of identity, artistic ambition, and the immigrant experience.

Embracing VistaVision

What distinguishes The Brutalist from other films is its use of VistaVision, a film format known for its expansive field of view. Originally developed in 1954, this horizontal format was designed to enhance the visual experience of cinema. Corbet and cinematographer Lol Crawley chose to use this format for its rich resolution and ability to capture intricate architectural details.

Corbet explains, “When filming architecture, you can be physically close to the structure and still capture the entire building inside your frame,” emphasizing VistaVision’s unique capacity to both highlight close-up details and provide a grand view.

A Nod to the Past

While primarily associated with classic films by directors such as Alfred Hitchcock, VistaVision had largely fallen out of favor in the 1960s with the rise of CinemaScope and 70mm film. However, it found new life under the creative vision of Corbet and Crew, proving that older techniques can enhance modern storytelling.

Editor Dávid Jancsó noted how the stylized architectural motifs in the film mirrored the editing style, creating a precise rhythm that echoes the tensions and triumphs of László’s life.

A Connection to Brutalist Architecture

The film’s title is a homage to the style of architecture that emerged in the mid-20th century, characterized by minimalist designs and raw, exposed materials. Jancsó and Corbet intentionally connected the editing processes to principles inherent in brutalist architecture, aligning the striking visual component of the film with its narrative weight.

As Corbet puts it, “In scope and scale, Brutalist buildings are begging to be seen.” This concept transcends the architectural to reflect the artistic struggles faced by László and his contemporaries.

The Technical Challenges of Filming

Shooting on VistaVision came with its technical hurdles, most notably the limited availability of cameras that could utilize this format. Corbet acknowledged that the bulk and weight of these cameras posed challenges for the crew, requiring technicians experienced in the format’s intricacies.

Despite these challenges, the team was determined to forge ahead. The decision to film in Hungary, where a culture of shooting on film still exists, enabled them to access the necessary resources and expertise to achieve their vision.

Post-Production Mastery

Post-production for The Brutalist was no small feat, taking 18 months to complete. Jancsó’s experience and relationships with local film labs proved invaluable, allowing for a level of detail sometimes reserved for much larger budgets. The film was scanned in high resolutions and tailored for various formats, ensuring that its artistic integrity remained intact.

Even with such a lengthy production process, attention to detail remained at the forefront. The film incorporates a mix of formats, blending aerial shots captured digitally with scenes shot traditionally on VistaVision.

Artistry Through Music and Dialogue

Dialogue in The Brutalist is rich and textured, often featuring Hungarian language, which required extensive coaching for its lead actors. The goal was to achieve an authentic performance reflective of their characters’ cultural backgrounds. AI technology was utilized sparingly to refine vocal sounds, ensuring accuracy without sacrificing the essence of the actors’ performances.

Corbet stated, ‘We knew we were making a long film and were very conscious of the pacing,’ which translates into a deeply engaging viewing experience. Music, recorded prior to filming, was integrated into scenes to enhance emotional resonance and maintain narrative flow.

Structuring the Story

The narrative’s anchor is a pivotal conversation between László and the industrialist Van Buren. As they share a moment over brandy, it becomes clear that this scene encapsulates the driving forces behind their actions. Jancsó emphasized the importance of this scene, noting that it informed decisions made throughout the editing process.

The Importance of Audience Engagement

The Brutalist includes a unique cinematic experience with a scheduled 15-minute intermission, harkening back to the theatrical screenings of earlier decades. This interval allows the audience to reflect on the film’s complex narrative while also enabling them to take a break from the lengthy experience.

Corbet and Jancsó crafted the intermission to mark a significant shift in László’s journey, fostering a deeper connection between the audience and the story.

Future Implications and Key Takeaways

As The Brutalist prepares for award season, it serves as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling through film. Its unique artistic choices, historical context, and technical prowess position it as a remarkable contribution to contemporary cinema.

In embracing the challenges of legacy formats and innovative storytelling, Corbet’s film invites viewers to reflect on broader themes of identity, belonging, and the impact of history across generations. As these narratives become increasingly relevant in today’s socio-political climate, The Brutalist stands poised to make a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike.

With groundbreaking techniques and storytelling at its core, The Brutalist not only reaches back to cinema’s past but also illuminates a path forward, ensuring that important stories continue to resonate in our collective memory.