Guy Pearce’s Fate Explained: The Ending of The Brutalist

This article discusses sensitive topics related to sexual violence.

Following the release of The Brutalist in late 2024, the film has received considerable acclaim. Despite its extensive runtime exceeding three hours, the gripping narrative and compelling performances make it a worthwhile cinematic experience. The cast and crew have already achieved numerous Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. Notably, Adrien Brody’s portrayal of Hungarian-Jewish architect László Tóth has earned an Oscar nomination, complemented by exceptional cinematography that enhances the film’s powerful themes.

Central to its thematic depth is the epilogue of The Brutalist. While the main storyline concludes in the late 1950s, it’s the epilogue, titled “Epilogue: The First Architecture Biennale, ” set in 1980, that broadens the narrative scope to encompass László’s entire life’s work. This concluding segment reframes the protagonist’s journey, illustrating László’s resilience against severe trauma, making it an essential part of the film’s narrative structure. Interestingly, some key characters are notably absent from this final act.

The Mysterious Disappearance of Harrison Following Serious Accusations

Elizabeth’s Bold Confrontation: Harrison’s Exit

Adrien Brody lights a cigarette in The Brutalist still

A striking absence in the film’s epilogue is László Tóth’s benefactor, Harrison Lee Van Buren Sr.(played by Guy Pearce).Throughout part one of The Brutalist, Harrison appears as a significant figure in László’s life, offering not only financial support as his patron but also assisting in his family’s relocation to America. Initially, Harrison seems to be a blessing for László.

However, underlying issues surface early in their relationship. Harrison often prioritizes cutting costs over László’s artistic integrity and frequently undermines his authority. By part two, their partnership deteriorates rapidly, culminating in a chilling incident where Harrison assaults László in an Italian cave. While it initially appears that László may never receive justice, a pivotal moment occurs when Erzsébet publicly accuses Harrison during one of his social gatherings. This confrontation prompts Harrison to flee the Van Buren estate, leading to his disappearance from both the film and László’s life.

The Epilogue of The Brutalist Offers No Clue About Harrison’s Fate

The Narrative Choices: Harrison’s Absence Makes Sense

Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones sitting together at a dinner table in The Brutalist

Harrison’s absence in the epilogue stands out, particularly given that it doesn’t provoke any commentary from the other characters. While Erzsébet is also missing, her absence is accounted for by her daughter, Zsófia, who reveals that Erzsébet has passed away. This acknowledgment grants emotional weight to her loss, in stark contrast to the unremarked absence of Harrison, despite his initially greater prominence in the story.

Harrison’s wealth and influence positioned him as a key player in the lives of László and Erzsébet. Yet, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that his contributions are overshadowed by those of Erzsébet, making his departure seemingly irrelevant. The epilogue emphasizes László’s achievements, such as the construction of vital community structures, while the Van Buren family fades into obscurity, highlighting the true impact of László’s work over his former patron’s influence.

The Question of Harrison’s Fate in the Film’s Conclusion

Unanswered Questions: Is Harrison Dead?

Though Harrison merited no recognition in the film’s resolution, uncertainties linger about his ultimate fate. Following Erzsébet’s accusation, Harrison’s inability to confront the situation leads to his abrupt disappearance. His son, Harrison Lee Van Buren Jr.(Joe Alwyn), searches for him but finds no trace, raising questions about whether he met a fatal end.

Symbolic imagery towards the film’s conclusion, particularly the shot of a marble altar, suggests a marker of mortality, hinting at the possibility of Harrison’s death. The presence of such potent religious symbols at the film’s end aligns with a narrative of sacrifice, potentially signifying Harrison’s demise.

Further supporting the suggestion of his death is the trajectory of László’s post-accusation career. Given the revelations about Harrison, including his penchant for vengeance, László’s ability to achieve success suggests that any remaining influence Harrison held over him had been neutralized, potentially by death.

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