The Oscar-nominated film The Brutalist has arrived at the right moment, shedding light on a pressing question that many American Jews have been grappling with in recent years. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and starring Adrien Brody, The Brutalist tells the story of László Tóth, a Hungarian Jewish architect who arrives in America in 1947.
As Tóth navigates his new life, he meets Harrison Van Buren, a charismatic industrialist who asks him to design a community center on his estate. What ensues is an arc of an outsider being brought into the fold by the patron, but with devastating consequences. Through Tóth’s struggles and consternations, The Brutalist humanizes the complexities of Jewish identity in America.
The film’s narrative takes a striking turn when it reveals that the community center designed for Van Buren is modeled after the Buchenwald concentration camp, where Tóth spent part of the war. This twist raises essential questions about Jewish belonging and identity in America. The Brutalist dares to confront this topic, asking if American Jews truly belong in their adopted homeland.
With its thought-provoking narrative and outstanding performances, The Brutalist presents a searing critique of American society’s handling of Jewish identity. As the Academy Awards approach, it is clear that this film will leave a lasting impact on the conversation about America’s relationship with its Jewish community.
Source: https://www.thefp.com/p/do-jews-belong-in-america-the-brutalist