Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist presents a thought-provoking conclusion rich with complex themes worthy of exploration. Leading the cast, Adrien Brody portrays László Tóth, a Hungarian-Jewish architect who becomes separated from his wife during the harrowing events of World War II. Upon his arrival in America, he encounters Harrison Lee Van Buren, a wealthy individual captivated by Tóth’s groundbreaking architectural skills, who commissions him to design a prominent community center in tribute to his mother.
The film?s climax reveals Harrison reaching out to László to resume construction. During their trip to Italy, Harrison assaults a drunken László, exerting his dominance, which triggers a downward spiral for László, leading him to lash out at his friends and colleagues. Meanwhile, his wife, Erzsébet, runs out of medication, prompting László to administer heroin to alleviate her pain, resulting in an overdose. Fortunately, she survives, and they plan their escape from the country, yet she first confronts Harrison about his actions. In a dramatic turn, Harrison vanishes after being accused in front of his family and associates.
Zsófia’s Impactful Final Speech in The Brutalist: An Analysis of Its Meaning
Zsófia Honors the Achievements of László Tóth
The epilogue of The Brutalist unfolds in 1980 during a Biennale showcasing László Tóth’s architectural achievements over the previous twenty years, celebrating his remarkable journey. This moment stands in stark contrast to the dire circumstances he faced towards the film’s conclusion, hinting at the possibility that Erzsébet’s return to Pennsylvania significantly advanced his career. Nonetheless, the specifics of how László attained fame as a distinguished architect remain ambiguous. The Van Buren community center, acknowledged as one of his masterpieces, serves as a testament to his contributions.
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During the Biennale, Zsófia delivers a poignant speech reflecting on László Tóth’s journey, encapsulating her uncle’s professional achievements while revealing facets of his character that have remained hidden. Throughout the film, László refrains from discussing the inspirations behind his work, but Zsófia articulates how his traumatic experiences shaped his creative vision, particularly in the design of the community center. Notably, the interior spaces of the community center were intentionally designed to echo the concentration camps that László endured, illustrating how his suffering was channeled into his artistry.
Her statement implies that László’s journey through torment was necessary for his artistic expression, yet it is ultimately the end result that holds significance.
One particularly striking line from Zsófia encapsulates the film’s overarching theme. She concludes her speech with the assertion, “No matter what the others try and sell you, it is the destination, not the journey.” This assertion underscores that despite László’s arduous path toward achieving his artistic vision, it is the end product that truly matters. His life, filled with strife and sorrow, ultimately culminated in works that gained recognition and admiration.
The Fate of Harrison After Erzsébet’s Accusation
Harrison’s Mysterious Disappearance: What We Know
The mystery surrounding Harrison Lee Van Buren’s fate ranks among the most perplexing aspects of The Brutalist’s conclusion. Despite the essential role he plays in the narrative, after Erzsébet accuses him of assaulting László, he inexplicably disappears. His son and household staff search for him in vain, and the film abruptly transitions to the epilogue, leaving his fate unresolved. The epilogue fails to shed light on Harrison’s future, leaving viewers with open-ended speculation.
Several theories have emerged regarding Harrison’s fate. One possibility suggests that he may have taken his own life or simply fled, escaping the shame that followed his exposure and beginning anew elsewhere. Another intriguing aspect of this scene is the emotional reaction of his son, Harry. Throughout the film, he comes across as arrogant, yet at this pivotal moment, he exhibits genuine despair. This reaction stems from his father’s dire situation, alongside the horrifying realization that he may, in fact, be guilty.
In another notable scene, Harry approaches Zsófia while she relaxes by the water in a swimsuit. He invites her for a walk, but the scene cuts away before revealing what transpires. Later, Zsófia is seen walking away from Harry, deliberately covering herself after previously exposing her skin. This cutaway could imply an unsettling encounter, suggesting either that Harry has adopted troubling tendencies from his father or that he has experienced inappropriate behavior directly from him.
The Fate of Erzsébet: Did She Pass Away Before The Brutalist?s Epilogue?
Erzsébet’s Likely Death: An Exploration of Her Health Struggles
Erzsébet’s absence during the epilogue suggests that she likely passed away sometime in the preceding two decades. Fortunately, she survived the overdose incident in 1960, living long enough to return to Europe with László. Her diagnosis of osteoporosis, likely received around 1953, would have adversely affected her overall health and longevity. Although she was depicted at the film’s conclusion being transported on a stretcher, her condition did not seem to improve significantly during her seven years in The Brutalist.
László Tóth: A Fictional Character or a Real Architect?
László Tóth: Understanding His Fictional Nature
