MovieChat Forums > The Brutalist (2025) Discussion > Van Buren and Laszlo

Van Buren and Laszlo

posted 22 days ago by Misty (267)
3 replies | jump to latest

Despite recognition of Laszlo's talent, Van Buren was envious and resentful of him. He felt the need to remind him that he was dependant on his largesse. His petty action at the dinner when he tosses the coin at him was an indicator of his true feelings. He needed to humiliate him. Of course, this all culminates in a shocking act( no spoilers) later on in film. The fact that Laszlo was Jewish and an immigrant made Van Buren feel even more superior.

This reminds of the relationship between Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger. Nixon resented Kissinger even though he needed him as his foreign policy advisor. Kissinger knew that he had to suck up to him to stay in White House.

[–] MyPhoneAccount (314) 22 days ago

I think Van Buren was gay.

[–] mikethemartian (6992) 22 days ago

When Van Buren was telling Laszlo how much he enjoyed talking to him and feeling their minds matched I got the impression he was gay and attracted to Laszlo. Then also that comment about wrestling solidified it for me.

[–] MyPhoneAccount (314) 22 days ago

When he’s [redacted] Laszlo, he makes a comment about how he’s so beautiful. I felt there was some sort of one sided sexual tension between them the whole movie, and he almost gets jealous when his wife arrives. That was just my impression.