Adrien Brody and Tilda Swinton star in the ambitious films “The Brutalist” and “The Room Next Door”. In a recent interview, the actors discussed their approaches to portraying complex characters grappling with existential themes.
In “The Brutalist”, Brody’s László Tóth is an architect trying to leave a lasting legacy after the Holocaust. The film, directed by Brady Corbet, tells the story of a man who seeks to create something that will express his worldview and define his legacy.
Meanwhile, Swinton plays Martha Hunt, a terminally ill former war correspondent in Pedro Almodóvar’s first English-language feature “The Room Next Door”.
The two actors have worked together several times in Wes Anderson films. In an interview, they discussed their experiences portraying characters with existential crises and the importance of empathy and compassion.
Adrien Brody stated that his character’s vision to leave behind a lasting work is driven by the suffering of others. He drew inspiration from his own mother, a Hungarian immigrant who fled Budapest after the Holocaust.
Tilda Swinton shared her personal experience playing Martha, saying it was an opportunity for self-discovery and growth. She reflected on her own mortality and how it has influenced her approach to life.
The actors emphasized the importance of stepping into characters’ shoes and experiencing their emotions authentically. They highlighted the value of empathy and compassion in portraying complex characters.
Both Brody and Swinton have expressed a desire to explore their own mortality as they grow older, focusing on what they want to achieve with their time and who they want to spend it with.
Source: https://variety.com/2024/film/news/adrien-brody-tilda-swinton-interview-the-brutalist-mortality-1236237615