Architecture

Fact or Fiction? The Brutalist Brings a Nonexistent Architect to Oscar Glory

Adrien Brody shines in his Oscar-winning role as László Tóth, a character inspired by the lives of real architects Marcel Breuer and Ernő Goldfinger in the captivating film, “The Brutalist”.

Por: Karla Sofía Espinoza
Adrien Brody wins a second Oscar for his role as Hungarian architect László Tóth in The Brutalist / Photo archive
Adrien Brody wins a second Oscar for his role as Hungarian architect László Tóth in The Brutalist / Photo archive

Adrien Brody owes his two leading-role Oscars to World War II survivors: one for The Pianist (2002) and now for The Brutalist (2024), in which he plays László Tóth, a Hungarian architect.

 

Tóth is  a fictional character  whose experiences mirror the struggles of real survivors in a new beginning in America.

 

In addition, this film pays homage to the architectural movement known as Brutalism while intertwining the poignant stories of its inspirations, giving the audience a captivating glimpse into a life that never was.

The Evocative Backstory of László Tóth

Tóth is depicted as a Hungarian-Jewish architect trained at the Bauhaus. Fleeing to the United States, he encounters a businessman who aids him in realizing his artistic ambitions.

 

Despite the film’s nearly biographical portrayal, viewers should note that Tóth is a product of fiction, his narrative a blend of historical elements meant to evoke the time’s tragic realities.

UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, a masterpiece of Marcel Breuer / Photo Archive
UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, a masterpiece of Marcel Breuer / Photo Archive

The Brutalists Behind the Inspiration

Director Brady Corbet crafted “The Brutalist” by drawing inspiration from Robert McCarter’s monograph on Marcel Breuer’s architectural prowess, particularly his design of the iconic St. John’s Abbey in Minnesota.

 

The characters and plot points within Tóth’s story emerge not only from Breuer but also from another renowned Hungarian architect, Ernő Goldfinger, along with influences from various real-life architects.

 

Brutalism, a captivating architectural style steeped in raw, minimalist aesthetics, serves as the backdrop for Tóth’s journey.

 

Alongside Breuer and Goldfinger, notable figures in this movement include Le Corbusier, Lina Bo Bardi, Peter and Alison Smithson, and Paul Rudolph.

Marcel Breuer and Erno Goldfinger, the real Brutalist architects / Photo Archive
Marcel Breuer and Erno Goldfinger, the real Brutalist architects / Photo Archive

Celebrating Marcel Breuer’s Legacy

Marcel Breuer, born in Hungary in 1902, stands as a pillar of modernist architecture.

 

While at the Bauhaus, he famously designed the Wassily Chair—an iconic representation of 20th-century design.

 

Breuer’s brutalist masterpieces, such as the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris and the Breuer Building in New York, showcase his distinctive blend of form and function.

 

The Breuer Building, originally the Whitney Art Museum, features an inverted staircase and minimalist facade that captivated art lovers. Today, it houses the MET Breuer, an annexe of the MET.

On the left, Trellick Tower. On the right, detail of the balconies
On the left, Trellick Tower. On the right, detail of the balconies

Ernő Goldfinger: An Icon in London

Ernő Goldfinger, also born in 1902 in Budapest, became a significant figure in the London architectural scene after his relocation in the 1930s.

 

His striking designs, characterized by raw materials and functionality, left an indelible mark on the city.

 

Notable projects include the distinctive Trellick and Balfron towers, both of which are celebrated examples of brutalist architecture that dominate the London skyline.

Le Corbusier’s Unité d'Habitation in Marseille is recognized as one of Brutalism foundational works / Photo Association des Sites Le Corbusier

FAQ: Understanding Brutalism

  • What defines Brutalism? Brutalism is characterized by the use of raw concrete, geometric design, bold volumes, and functional structures that often involve a play of light and shadow.
  • Why is it called Brutalism? The term "brutalism" derives from the French phrase "béton brut," meaning ‘raw concrete,’ which reflects the style’s emphasis on unrefined materials.
  • Who pioneered this architectural style? Brutalism gained prominence from the 1950s to the 1970s, with Le Corbusier’s Unité d'Habitation in Marseille recognized as one of its foundational works.
  • Who inspired László Tóth, the main character in "The Brutalist"? Tóth’s character draws inspiration from real Hungarian architects, particularly Marcel Breuer and Ernő Goldfinger, whose legacies continue to influence contemporary architecture.

If you found this article about  The Brutalist interesting, please share it. Check out this article about the Everyone Wins gift bag and the resort for  the Oscar winners. Also check out other articles in the Discover and Architecture section.

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