Duration of The Brutalist’s Two Acts and Intermission Explained

Brady Cobert’s historical drama, The Brutalist, presents viewers with a captivating narrative through its unique structure and artistic choices. Since its release at the end of 2024, the film has garnered an impressive 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a testament to its critical acclaim. Reviewers have praised various elements, including the stunning cinematography, evocative score, and powerful performances, notably highlighting Adrien Brody’s portrayal of László Tóth, which has earned him an Academy Award nomination. Additionally, The Brutalist is in the running for the prestigious “Best Picture”Oscar.

However, one aspect that may pose a challenge for some audiences is the film’s considerable runtime. With a total length of over three and a half hours, The Brutalist is the longest film released in 2024. To accommodate this, the film features an intermission between its two acts: “Part 1: The Enigma of Arrival”and “Part 2: The Hard Core of Beauty.”When combining the two acts, intermission, and previews, viewers should anticipate spending nearly four hours in the theater. Despite the duration, the film’s expertly crafted pacing and narrative tension justify its length.

Structure of The Brutalist: Two Acts of Equal Length

Divided into Parts and Concluding with an Epilogue

Each act in The Brutalist is comparable in length to a standalone feature film. To be precise, the total runtime is 215 minutes, with each act lasting approximately 100 minutes, paired with a 15-minute intermission. If “Part One”were a standalone film, it might conclude on a note of optimism.

However, the narrative shifts significantly in “Part Two: The Hard Core of Beauty, ”where the film delves into its most harrowing moments. Much of the success and joy witnessed in “Part One”swiftly unravels, illustrating how the American dream can falter. Adding further depth to the narrative is the epilogue, “Epilogue: The First Architecture Biennale, ”which recontextualizes the preceding acts and enriches the thematic fabric of The Brutalist. Consequently, the second act is slightly shorter than the first, but equally impactful.

The Brutalist’s Essential 15-Minute Intermission

A Perfect Break for Reflection

Adrien Brody in The Brutalist holding flowers at the train station

Given the extensive length of the two acts, the 15-minute intermission serves as both a necessary pause and an opportunity for contemplation. This break occurs at a pivotal moment when Erzsébet uncovers documentation that would allow her and Zsófia to emigrate to the United States: a poignant wedding photograph featuring her and László. During the intermission, this photograph along with a timer graces the screen, prompting the audience to reflect on the essence of happiness for the Tóths. This interval not only encourages attendees to stretch and refresh but also sets the stage for “Part 2, ”where both viewers and László must confront the disintegrating status quo established in “Part One.”

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