Harry Lee Van Buren approaches Attila and his cousin Laszlo with a request to renovate his father's study into a proper library. The scene establishes the class dynamic between the wealthy client and the immigrant craftsmen as they discuss the technical requirements of the project.
ATTILA: Mr. Van Buren, this is my cousin, Laszlo.
HARRY LEE: Please - that's what people call my father. Call me Harry.
ATTILA: Harry would like some shelving units installed over at his family's property in Doylestown.
HARRY LEE: Sorry to interrupt. I hoped someone might follow me out there to take a look at my father's study. My sister and I'd like to…
Format: Scene · Genre: drama · Source: The Brutalist · Author: Brady Corbet · Characters: Harry Lee, Attila, Laszlo
This dramatic scene from "The Brutalist" introduces Harry Lee Van Buren as he initiates a significant architectural project. He seeks to transform his father's study into a dedicated library, engaging the skills of Attila and Laszlo, two craftsmen. The interaction immediately highlights the different social strata of the characters, with Harry Lee representing wealth and refinement, while Attila and Laszlo are presented as skilled but more modest workers.
Harry Lee is presented as a sophisticated and articulate individual, accustomed to giving instructions and expecting a certain level of service. His enthusiasm for the library project, intended as a surprise for his father, reveals a thoughtful and perhaps sentimental side, though his professional demeanor remains central. Attila and Laszlo, on the other hand, embody the immigrant experience, demonstrating professionalism and a readiness to accommodate their client's vision while navigating the class dynamics subtly at play.
This scene is excellent for auditions because it offers rich opportunities for character development and nuanced performance. The clear professional objective, combined with a subtle undercurrent of social hierarchy, allows actors to showcase their ability to play objective-driven roles while also conveying subtext and relationship dynamics. The slightly formal yet enthusiastic tone provides a great range to explore without resorting to overt melodrama, making it suitable for a variety of casting scenarios.
This scene is particularly well-suited for male actors in their 30s to 50s who can portray sophisticated and professional characters with an underlying warmth or charm. It caters to casting types such as the Upper Class, Leading Man, or Business Executive for Harry Lee, and offers strong material for Working Class or Skilled Craftsman types for Attila and Laszlo. It’s an ideal choice for agent showcases, self-tapes, or general practice, allowing actors to demonstrate their range in a contained yet impactful dramatic setting.
Actors performing this scene should focus on the specific objectives of their characters: Harry Lee's desire to secure quality craftsmanship for his father's library, and Attila and Laszlo's aim to understand and deliver on the client's vision. Pay close attention to vocal tone and body language to subtly convey the class differences and professional respect between the characters. For Harry Lee, maintaining an enthusiastic yet composed demeanor, and for Attila and Laszlo, showcasing attentiveness and a quiet confidence in their abilities will be key to a strong performance.