Judy Becker’s Expertise in Production Design

Judy Becker’s extensive experience in production design, showcased in films like “American Hustle” and “Carol,” equipped her to tackle the distinctive challenges of creating a period piece.

Adapting Locations for Authenticity

“Carol” was filmed in Cincinnati, which stood in for New York, while “American Hustle” was shot in Boston, also representing New York. This experience has made her adept at finding the right settings in unexpected places.

Overseas Challenges in Historical Filmmaking

However, filming abroad—specifically in Brady Corbet’s historical epic “The Brutalist,” which transforms Hungary into 1940s Philadelphia—presented an entirely different set of challenges.

Plot Overview of “The Brutalist”

The film centers on architect László (Adrien Brody), who escapes the Holocaust and immigrates to the U.S. After a wealthy client, portrayed by Guy Pearce, recognizes his talent, László is commissioned to construct a community center featuring a library, theater, and chapel. In return for his work, László’s wife, Erzsébet Tóth (Felicity Jones), is granted the opportunity to join him.

Designing a Symbolic Structure

While most of the film was shot on location, Becker designed a practical center that László dedicates himself to building throughout the film. She envisioned a structure characterized by large concrete forms, reflecting the minimalist aesthetic of brutalist architecture.

Symbolism in Design

Becker aimed to conceptually merge two concentration camps to symbolize László’s escape from the Holocaust. This was crucial since the film does not depict László’s experiences during the Holocaust directly; instead, his emotions and trauma are embodied in the building itself.

Finding Inspiration

“I really didn’t know how I was going to do it; I lacked inspiration at the start,” Becker admits. However, upon reviewing the architecture of various World War II concentration camps, she observed that the barracks were aligned along a central road, noting a cross formation that became a focal point in the film’s chapel.

Creative Process and Symbolism

Becker explains, “That could’ve been coincidental, but it prompted me to think about the symbolism. The cross formed by the light through the tower became significant. Once I figured that out, the design process became much easier.”

Location Scouting in Hungary

The team dedicated approximately 12 weeks to preparation in Hungary, scouting locations that could convincingly represent the United States. Becker noted that the film’s earlier setting allowed them to find areas in Hungary that appeared to be from the past, such as an industrial zone in Budapest that resembled 1950s Philadelphia.

Budget Constraints and Creativity

Alongside the challenges of working in a foreign country, Becker and her team faced significant budget constraints. “Despite what people say, this was likely the lowest-budget period film I’ve ever worked on,” she reveals. “Determining where to allocate funds was a challenge, but it fostered creativity and resourcefulness.”

Labor of Love

Reports indicate that “The Brutalist” had a production cost of $10 million, which has surprised many viewers. However, Becker did not feel limited by the budget. “On larger budget films, I often found it more challenging to work within financial constraints. This project was a true labor of love for everyone involved,” she states.

Collaboration and Creative Freedom

Becker describes her collaboration with Brady Corbet as liberating, allowing for significant creative freedom in the art direction. She recalls a smaller-scale experience her husband had at the Sundance Directors Lab, where a director creatively transformed a bus into an airplane using simple materials, illustrating how resourcefulness can lead to innovative solutions.

Conclusion

“I’m not suggesting we would literally use paper plates to create an airplane, but it exemplifies how creative you can be when you set your mind to it,” Becker laughs. “In some ways, ‘The Brutalist’ was my version of turning a bus into an airplane.”

“The Brutalist” is currently showing in theaters.

Person: Judy Becker, Brady Corbet, László, Adrien Brody, Guy Pearce, Erzsébet Tóth, Felicity Jones

Company Names:

Titles: American Hustle, Carol, The Brutalist

Disclaimer: This article has been auto-generated from a syndicated RSS feed and has not been edited by Vitrina staff. It is provided solely for informational purposes on a non-commercial basis.