Adrien Brody Reflects on Antisemitism and Role in 'The Brutalist'

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In an interview in Madrid, actor Adrien Brody spoke candidly about his performance in the upcoming film "The Brutalist," where he plays László Tóth, a Hungarian architect who survived the horrors of a Nazi concentration camp and later rebuilt his life in the United States. Brody's portrayal is already generating buzz for potential Oscar nominations, as he aims for his second Academy Award.

Brody, now 51, described the role as deeply personal, connecting it to his own Jewish ancestry. He shared that his family members had perished during the Holocaust, making Tóth's story resonate with him. He emphasized the importance of representing the struggle for survival through his character, which he believes mirrors ongoing global issues such as displacement and antisemitism.

The film, directed by Brady Corbet, runs nearly four hours and was shot in VistaVision to enhance its visual storytelling. Brody expressed a strong commitment to the project, stating, "To do something, I have to feel it’s worth the commitment."

Reflecting on the rise of antisemitism today, Brody noted the relevance of his film, stating, "Unfortunately, this isn’t something that is new for humanity... generations fleeing oppression and violence." He acknowledged that through storytelling, filmmakers have the power to inspire change and spark critical conversations.

"The Brutalist" premieres amidst a competitive awards season, and Brody's previous recognition as the youngest Best Actor Oscar winner for "The Pianist" adds to the anticipation surrounding his latest role.

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