Felicity Jones has received an Academy Award nomination this year for her role in The Brutalist. Her character appears only in the latter half of the film, which has a runtime of 3 hours and 35 minutes, potentially explaining her nomination in the Best Supporting Actress category. However, Felicity believes that her reduced screen time is a deliberate narrative decision aimed at conveying the emotional burden of the prolonged separation experienced by her character and Adrien Brody's character before their eventual reunion. This thematic element was, in fact, a significant factor that attracted her to the story.

On limited screentime

The aspect of the script that resonated with me was the profound anticipation surrounding the reunion of the characters. They have been apart for eight years, which heightens the romantic tension during their meeting," states Felicity. She portrays Erzsébet Tóth, the spouse of László Tóth (Adrien), a Holocaust survivor who escapes to America to evade the camp. Erzsébet remains behind initially but ultimately follows her husband’s path. Upon reaching America, she reunites with László, although they must address the fractures in their relationship caused by the passage of time, trauma, and displacement.

Remarkably, the situation is quite intricate, making it challenging for the characters to reconnect during those deeply personal moments. There exists a degree of discomfort. For instance, when László discovers Erzsébet in the bath, he appears somewhat bewildered, despite her being his wife. They have not experienced this level of intimacy before. In that particular scene, one can observe their efforts to navigate their closeness, Felicity notes. Furthermore, Erzsébet possesses a profound belief and faith, viewing this relationship as a form of divinity. Her resolve to sustain this bond is evident, even when it may lead to her detriment, she adds.

On power dynamics

The separation between them is not solely attributed to the physical distance and displacement; it is also influenced by their divergent ambitions in a foreign land, each pursuing their own version of the American Dream, which complicates their marital relationship. Felicity elaborates, stating, "A power dynamic exists between László and Erzsébet, as both are driven individuals. However, it is Erzsébet who opts for a solitary path and accepts a less intellectually fulfilling position to support her husband. How frequently would one observe the reverse scenario? This situation invites an examination of the interplay between professional achievement and gender within their relationship."

Erzsébet works as a journalist, while László is an architect. Although she possesses the potential for much more, she, like many women throughout history, feels societal pressure to take a step back. While she may appear submissive in comparison, Felicity perceives her as a well-developed character. "She is managing her ego in relation to someone with a significantly larger ego. Both individuals possess strong egos. How does she achieve creative and professional satisfaction? Simultaneously, she has a deep belief in László's vision, which they share. She glides beneath the surface like a swan, yet numerous questions arise. What is the equilibrium between them? How does she balance her need for personal and intellectual fulfillment with being with someone who has similar needs? This dynamic is a crucial aspect of their narrative."

Regardless of her relationship with László, Erzsébet represents one of the most complex roles Felicity has undertaken. "The emotional depth required to comprehend the experiences of someone like Erzsébet and how those experiences manifest physically was particularly challenging. It felt like an unprecedented endeavor for me. In that regard, it was deeply personal. To internalize what that individual endured in the camps and to navigate that trauma was certainly an experience I had not encountered with the same intensity that Erzsébet conveys."

The film "The Brutalist" is set to be released in Indian cinemas on February 28.

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