The Golden Globe-winning Brutalist: A Cinematic Exploration of Modernist Architecture in Budapest

The 82nd Golden Globe Awards ceremony, held on January 6th, saw Adrien Brody clinch the Best Actor award for his portrayal of the fictional Hungarian architect László Tóth in the film The Brutalist. This grandiose, decades-spanning work by director Brady Corbet not only secured the Best Director and Best Drama awards but also shines a spotlight on Hungary’s rich architectural heritage, particularly the brutalist movement.

The Film and Its Hungarian Connections

The Brutalist follows the life of László Tóth, a fictional architect who flees to the United States after World War II. The film, which took seven years to complete, was largely shot in Hungary and features notable Hungarian talent:

• Editor: Dávid Jancsó
• Co-producer: Viktória Petrányi
• Cast: Hungarian actors including Benett Vilmányi and Dóra Sztarenki

While the film’s general release is set for January 23rd, Budapest audiences have the opportunity to catch early screenings at various venues, including BIFF in early November, Uránia on January 4th, and Művész Cinema on January 12th.

Brutalism in Budapest: Concrete Marvels

The film’s focus on modernist architecture provides an excellent opportunity to explore Budapest’s brutalist buildings. Brutalism, characterized by its use of exposed concrete and bold geometric forms, left a significant mark on the city’s landscape during the mid-20th century. Here are some notable examples:

OKISZ Incubator House: Located on Thököly Road, this iconic building showcases distinct brutalist features. Designed by János Mónus and constructed between 1971 and 1973, it earned Mónus the prestigious Ybl Prize in 1974.

ELMŰ Substation: Situated on Katona József Street, this building narrowly escaped demolition a decade ago. Designed by Ernő Léstyán, it represents the increased energy demands of the 1960s. Léstyán received the Ybl Prize in 1967 for his contributions to energy distribution architecture.

Former Domus Department Store: Built in 1974 at the intersection of Lehel Street and Róbert Károly Boulevard, this modern edifice enjoys protected status. Designed by Antal Lázár and Péter Reimholz, it stands as a testament to brutalist design principles.

Hungarian State Treasury Building: Constructed between 1975 and 1979, this impressive structure was designed by Margit Pázmándi, the only two-time female recipient of the Ybl Prize. Pázmándi aimed to bridge Bauhaus functionalism and post-modern architecture in this design.

All Saints Parish Church: Located opposite the entrance to Farkasrét Cemetery in District XII, this church, designed by István Szabó, was the first to be built in Budapest in over 25 years when it was consecrated in 1977. Szabó received the Ybl Prize in 1978 for this remarkable work.

The Legacy of Brutalism in Budapest

While often controversial, brutalist architecture forms an integral part of Budapest’s urban fabric. These buildings, with their bold forms and honest use of materials, tell the story of a city in transition, embracing modernity while grappling with its complex history.

As The Brutalist brings renewed attention to this architectural style, it’s crucial to recognize the value of these structures. They represent not just an aesthetic choice, but a particular moment in time, reflecting the social, political, and economic realities of their era. Preserving and appreciating these buildings ensures that future generations can continue to learn from and be inspired by Budapest’s rich architectural heritage.

Filming in Budapest

The Brutalist was largely filmed in Budapest, Hungary, taking advantage of the city’s diverse architectural landscape. The production took place primarily in Budapest from March 16 to May 5, 2023, with the city standing in for various locations including 1940s Philadelphia.

Several notable Budapest locations were featured in the film:

1. The Semmelweis University building
2. The synagogue on Bethlen Square
3. The Korda studio in the Etyek mountains

The choice to film in Budapest added authenticity to the story, given that the protagonist, László Tóth, is a Hungarian-Jewish architect. The production also benefited from local talent, with ten Hungarian actors cast in the film and Hungarian editor Dávid Jancsó working behind the scenes.

Budapest’s growing reputation as a popular destination for international film productions is further cemented by The Brutalist. Its ability to stand in for various European and American cities, combined with lower production costs, continues to make it an attractive option for filmmakers worldwide.

Image source: imdb.com