Filmed in the marble quarries of Carrara and other locations in the historic center of the city in 2023
With ten nominations at the 97th Academy Awards, Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist has already carved out its place in the annals of global cinema. From Best Picture and Best Director to nods for Adrien Brody (Best Actor) and Felicity Jones (Best Supporting Actress), as well as nominations for Best Cinematography, Best Score, Best Editing, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Production Design, the film is a cinematic odyssey. Yet behind the artistic and technical brilliance of the film lies another star that doesn’t appear in the credits: Tuscany, and specifically the marble quarries of Carrara.
Tuscany and the Carrara Marble Quarries: The Heart and Soul of the Film
The plot of The Brutalist, which recounts the life of Jewish architect László Tóth and his journey as an immigrant from Hungary to the United States after World War II, is deeply intertwined with the marble quarries of Carrara. In his quest to create a monumental work that would define his career, Tóth travels to Carrara to procure the finest marble.
There, the audience is captivated by the breathtaking beauty and harsh reality of the historic quarries. Filmed in the caves of Colonnata, Bettogli, and Bombarda, the dramatic landscape comes alive on screen. Corbet and his team masterfully capture the grandeur of the white marble, the interplay of light within the depths of the quarries, and the human struggle to shape a material as magnificent as it is unyielding.
Tuscany’s Contribution to the Creation
Beyond its natural beauty, Tuscany became a central character in the film thanks to the collaboration of the Toscana Film Commission and Ecoframes Film & TV Production Services. The carefully chosen locations, such as Carrara’s historic center, Antica Drogheria Riacci, and Corso Rosselli, lend authenticity and depth to the movie.
The production benefited greatly from the region’s rich cinematic tradition and the expertise of local collaborators, turning every frame into a visual masterpiece. Corbet didn’t merely use Tuscany as a backdrop. Instead, he highlighted the region’s history, art, and traditions, weaving them into the very fabric of the film.
A Film That Unites Art and Tradition
The Brutalist is more than just a movie, it is a testament to the human drive to create despite adversity. The marble of Carrara becomes a symbol of this effort, a metaphor for humanity’s quest to impose order on chaos.
With its ten Oscar nominations, Brady Corbet’s film succeeds in uniting the global artistic community with Tuscany’s rich cultural heritage. As viewers journey into the depths of Carrara’s quarries, they don’t just witness the story of an architect but experience the eternal bond between humanity, creation, tradition, and art.
The Brutalist is not merely a film to be remembered for its nominations; it is an experience that elevates the art of cinema to its highest form.