A Heartfelt Celebration of Family and Artistry: Brady Corbet’s Journey with The Brutalist
A Rare Wholesome Moment at the Golden Globes
The Golden Globes, often known for its glamour and excitement, witnessed a rare and heartfelt moment when Brady Corbet took the stage to accept his award for directing The Brutalist. In his acceptance speech, Corbet highlighted the immense support of his family, who played a pivotal role in bringing this epic film to life. The camera panned to three Women who were instrumental in his journey: Mary Corbet, his single mother who raised him; Mona Fastvold, his longtime collaborator and muse; and his 10-year-old daughter, Ada, who was visibly overwhelmed with tears of joy. “I love you so much, Ada James,” Corbet said, her presence a reminder of the deep personal connection this film holds for him and his family.
Family, Collaboration, and the Making of The Brutalist
In a recent interview with NBC News at the iconic Breuer Building in Manhattan, Corbet and Fastvold reflected on how The Brutalist has been a part of Ada’s life since she was just 3 years old. “She’s our partner in crime,” Corbet said fondly, describing how Ada is often present on film sets and involved in their creative process. The film, which tells the story of a fictional Hungarian architect, László Tóth (Adrien Brody), and his writer wife Erzsébet (Felicity Jones), explores themes of resilience, identity, and creativity. It is the fifth collaboration between Corbet and Fastvold, who have established a unique working relationship. They take turns directing their projects, with Corbet co-writing the screenplay for their upcoming film, Ann Lee, a historical musical drama starring Amanda Seyfried.
A Long and Winding Road to Success
The journey to acclaim for The Brutalist has not been an easy one. The film, which runs for three hours and 35 minutes, faced significant challenges in financing and production. Corbet and Fastvold were turned down by multiple investors, and they had to rely on their own savings to bring the project to life. The film was eventually made on a modest budget of $10 million, a far cry from the typical Hollywood blockbuster. Despite these hurdles, The Brutalist premiered at the Venice Film Festival, where it received rave reviews and was quickly snapped up by A24, positioning it as a strong contender in the Oscar race.
Hard Work and Sacrifice Pay Off
Corbet and Fastvold’s dedication to their craft has paid off in a big way. The film has earned 10 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director for Corbet, and Best Original Screenplay for both Corbet and Fastvold. Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, and Guy Pearce, who play key roles in the film, are also nominated for their performances. Corbet has already won Best Director at the Golden Globes and the BAFTAs, a testament to his visionary storytelling. However, the road to success was not without its sacrifices. In a recent podcast interview, Corbet revealed that he and Fastvold made no money from their previous two films and had to rely on savings from three years ago to keep going.
Home, Family, and the Future
Beyond the accolades, The Brutalist marks a significant personal milestone for Corbet, who began his career as an actor before transitioning to directing. Raised by a single mother and having dropped out of high school, Corbet’s journey to becoming one of Hollywood’s most promising young directors is nothing short of inspiring. His mother, Mary, who worked tirelessly to support him, is deeply moved by his success. As awards season reaches its peak, Corbet and Fastvold are looking forward to returning to their quiet life in Brooklyn, where they can focus on family and their next creative project. Corbet expressed his eagerness to “be just dad” again and spend more time with Ada, who has been a constant presence in their professional and personal lives.
Chasing Stories and Building a Legacy
Corbet and Fastvold’s partnership is built on a foundation of trust, creativity, and mutual respect. Their writing process is fluid and collaborative, with Corbet working at night and Fastvold in the early morning, coming together during the day to build on each other’s ideas. “It’s an improvisational process,” Corbet explained, emphasizing the importance of embracing new ideas and never saying no. This approach has allowed them to create films that are not only critically acclaimed but also deeply personal. As they look to the future, Corbet and Fastvold remain committed to telling stories that resonate with audiences and leave a lasting impact. With The Brutalist set to make history at the Oscars, they are already gearing up for their next project, proving that their partnership is as enduring as their passion for storytelling.
