The Brutalist: Director Brady Corbet Speaks Out Against Runtime Conversations

The cast and crew of The Brutalist, a 215-minute feature set to premiere at the Venice Competition, arrived at the press conference still emotional from the film’s lengthy screening earlier.

Director Brady Corbet deemed it “silly” to discuss film runtimes, suggesting they are irrelevant in the storytelling process. “The film does everything we’re told we’re not allowed to do,” said Corbet. “It’s quite silly to have a conversation about runtime; that’s like criticizing a book for being 700 pages vs 100 pages. For me, it’s about how much story there is to tell.”

Corbet added, “Maybe the next thing I’ll make should be 45 minutes and I’ll be allowed to do that. The idea we should fit inside a box is quite silly – we should be past that, it’s 2024.” Actor Isaach de Bankolé supported Corbet’s views, saying “the length of the movie has nothing to do with the story of life. Life can be short or long, depends on the way we approach it.”

Throughout the conference, the topic of runtime frequently arose, with Corbet declaring, “Yes, there are many stories that cannot be told in Hollywood.” When probed about parallels with contemporary conflicts, Corbet outlined The Brutalist’s focus on fascism, pointing out that it “isn’t about the runtime; it’s about getting the story out there.”

### The Film

The Brutalist stars Adrien Brody as visionary architect László Toth and Felicity Jones as his wife Erzsébet, who flee post-war Europe to reclaim their legacy and witness the dawn of modern America. The film is about the evolution of their creations, which reflect both the trauma of the 20^th century and the repercussions on the artistic communities.

### Production

Brody recalled his own heritage – his mother’s life as a Hungarian immigrant during the 1956 revolution – and the experiences that informed his portrayal. Brody emphasized his empathy towards the character, stating, “It is about the repercussions on his mom’s life and her work as an artist,” and how post-war psychology permeates all aspects of one’s life.

Focus Features acquired international rights for The Brutalist at this year’s Berlinale.

Brady Corbet’s stance on film runtime illustrates the creative freedom the filmmaker advocates for. By shedding the traditional hour-long runtime constraint, he offers a unique storytelling experience, reflecting an era where art has transitioned beyond rigid confines. How will this fresh perspective define the future of filmmaking?

1. Will screenings of The Brutalist during the Venice Competition feature an exact 215-minute runtime or includes intervals?
Answer: According to Screen, the screenings will feature runtime intervals, accompanied by countdown clocks on the screen.
2. Will international fans have access to the full feature on release?
Answer: Information on global distribution and release timelines, including the potential runtime format(s), is not currently publicly available from Focus Features.