Adrien Brody’s Immersive Experience Filming “The Brutalist” in Budapest

A Personal Connection to Immigration

Adrien Brody, fresh off his Golden Globe win for Best Actor in “The Brutalist,” recently shared insights into his deeply personal connection to the film and the challenges he faced during its production in Budapest. The movie, which tells the story of a Hungarian architect, resonated strongly with Brody due to his own Hungarian immigrant heritage.

In an interview, Brody reflected on his childhood memories of his grandparents’ struggle to assimilate into American society. He recalled his grandfather’s thick Hungarian accent and the difficulties he faced in finding work, contrasting it with his multilingual grandmother’s relative success in securing office jobs. These family experiences, Brody noted, have profoundly shaped his empathy towards immigrants and influenced his approach to acting.

The Emotional Depth of the Story

The actor emphasized the personal nature of “The Brutalist” for him, drawing parallels between the film’s narrative and his mother’s traumatic journey from war-torn Hungary to America. This personal connection provided Brody with a deeper understanding of his character’s experiences.

Mastering the Hungarian Language and Accent

One of the most challenging aspects of the role for Brody was mastering the Hungarian language and accent. He worked extensively with a dialect coach to capture the authentic sounds and expressions he remembered from his grandparents. The pressure to sound convincing was intensified by filming in Budapest with a Hungarian crew. Brody explained, “There was serious pressure on me not to sound foolish in front of our Hungarian crew, who heard me speaking Hungarian day after day.”

Immersion in the Role

To maintain authenticity, Brody immersed himself in the role, continuing to use the dialect even when off-camera. He found that living in Budapest during the filming period greatly aided his language acquisition, as he was constantly exposed to authentic Budapest dialects in everyday interactions.

Dedication to the Craft

Despite the demanding schedule of the independent film production, Brody embraced the intensity of the work. He mentioned that he prefers roles that fully engage his energies, leaving little downtime. This dedication meant that even after long days of shooting, he would spend his evenings preparing for the next day’s scenes and studying his lines.

Moments of Respite

While Brody had limited time for sightseeing in Budapest, he did manage to enjoy occasional dinners in the city with his co-stars and the director. These moments provided brief respites from the rigorous filming schedule.

A Triumph of Performance

Brody’s commitment to the role and his personal connection to the story have clearly paid off, as evidenced by his recent Golden Globe win. His performance in “The Brutalist” not only showcases his acting prowess but also honors his family’s immigrant experience, bringing a deeply authentic and emotionally resonant portrayal to the screen.

Image source: IMBD.com