Brutalist Ending Explained: Laszlo & Harrison’s Fate Revealed

This article contains references to sexual assault.

Examining the Ending of Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist

Brady Corbet’s film The Brutalist concludes with a rich tapestry of themes worthy of analysis. The storyline follows Adrien Brody, who portrays László Tóth, a Hungarian-Jewish architect torn from his wife during the ravages of World War II. Upon his arrival in America, László becomes an employee of Harrison Lee Van Buren, a wealthy figure captivated by Tóth’s groundbreaking architectural skills. Harrison commissions him to design a significant community center in honor of his mother.

The film’s climax sees Harrison reaching out to László to reinitiate construction. However, during a fateful trip to Italy, a disturbing event unfolds: Harrison assaults a heavily intoxicated László, illustrating his overwhelming desire for power. This traumatic incident propels László into a downward spiral, manifesting as anger directed at those around him, including friends and employees. The situation crescendos when László’s wife, Erzsébet, runs out of her medication; in desperation, László resorts to injecting her with heroin to alleviate her pain, tragically leading to her overdose. Although Erzsébet survives, their plans to escape the country hit a snag when she confronts Harrison about his heinous act.

Analyzing Zsófia’s Final Speech in The Brutalist

Zsófia Honors László Tóth’s Achievements

Adrien Brody in The Brutalist holding flowers at the train station

The film’s epilogue transports us to a 1980 Biennale honoring László Tóth, showcasing his architectural contributions and celebrating his legacy. This moment is striking, especially considering the grim circumstances surrounding him throughout the film’s latter half. Notably, Erzsébet’s return to Pennsylvania seems to have revitalized László’s career, though the specifics of how he evolved into a esteemed architect remain ambiguous. The Van Buren community center, acknowledged as one of his significant projects, suggests that he has received recognition for his work.

During this event, Zsófia delivers a heartfelt speech reflecting on László’s life, summarizing his professional journey and showcasing aspects of his identity that viewers have not previously encountered, particularly his sources of inspiration. She reveals how László’s personal experiences influenced his creative output, with a notable connection: the community center’s interiors draw from the trauma of the concentration camps he endured. This underscores the depth of his suffering and its transformative impact on his artistry.

Zsófia drives home the point that László’s arduous path was fraught with trials, yet it is the artistry and accomplishments that ultimately define him. Her closing remark resonates powerfully with the film’s overarching narrative: “No matter what others try to sell you, it is the destination, not the journey.” This emphasizes that despite the conflicts and tragedies in László’s life, the legacy he leaves behind is one of profound respect and admiration.

After Erzsébet’s Confrontation: What Becomes of Harrison?

Harrison’s Mysterious Disappearance

Harrison and Harry in similar suits in The Brutalist

The fate of Harrison Lee Van Buren emerges as one of the most enigmatic elements in the conclusion of The Brutalist. Following Erzsébet’s accusation of rape against László, he abruptly disappears, leaving his son and household staff baffled. The narrative then transitions to the epilogue without addressing his fate, resulting in lingering questions for the audience. Corbet intentionally opts to leave these uncertainties unresolved, inviting viewers to form their own interpretations.

Theorizing Harrison’s fate leads to various possibilities; he might have fled in shame or taken the drastic step of ending his own life. Another point of interest is the response from his son, Harry, who is portrayed as shallow throughout the film. His moment of despair following the accusation suggests a deeper conflict: he may harbor a realization of his father’s true nature.

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In another unsettling scene, Harry approaches Zsófia while she relaxes by the water. Though he invites her for a walk, the scene cuts away, leaving their interaction ambiguous. When they next appear, Zsófia is seen distancing herself from Harry while covering up, implying a potential advance from him that raises unsettling questions about learned behavior and inheritance of his father’s troubling tendencies.

Did Erzsébet Die Prior to the Epilogue of The Brutalist?

Erzsébet Likely Passed Away Due to Osteoporosis Complications

Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones in The Brutalist

Erzsébet’s absence during the film’s epilogue suggests that she may have died at some point in the two decades since the narrative’s earlier events. After surviving her overdose in 1960, she was able to return to Europe with László; however, her diagnosis of osteoporosis around 1953 likely played a role in her declining health and potential early demise. Despite being depicted toward the film’s conclusion on a stretcher, her condition shows little improvement throughout the seven years captured in the narrative.

Was László Tóth Based on a Real Architect?

László Tóth: A Fictional Character

László Tóth, as portrayed by Adrien Brody, is a fictional creation crafted skillfully to resonate with audiences. In a recent interview with CNN, Brody reflected on how elements of his life influenced the character’s development, emphasizing a shared understanding of the immigrant experience and the journey of an artist. The collaborative efforts of Brody, writer-director Brady Corbet, Mona Fastvold, and the cast contribute to a captivating exploration of this character’s struggles and triumphs.

Unpacking the True Meaning of The Brutalist

A Reflection on Immigration and Artistic Identity

A crowd depicting the immigrant experience in The Brutalist

The Brutalist serves as a post-war odyssey that delves into the shared experiences of immigrants and artists. László embodies both identities, facing rejection not only for his cultural and religious differences but also for being misunderstood as a creative individual. He navigates a landscape populated by Americans who dismiss or overlook his rich background.

Harrison Lee Van Buren emerges as a symbol of the harsh realities of American capitalism, displaying a blatant disregard for László’s journey and artistry while desiring ownership over it. His assertion of dominance culminates in violence, which starkly represents László’s struggle against exploitation and the dehumanizing forces in society. The Brutalist ultimately paints a complex portrait of László, suggesting that despite a tumultuous life filled with adversity, he achieves a significant artistic legacy that the world comes to appreciate.

Sources: CNN

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