Adrien Brody underwent a significant physical transformation for his role in the 2003 film The Pianist, losing 30 pounds to portray the character of Władysław Szpilman during World War II in Poland. This transformation had lingering effects on Brody, leading to post-traumatic stress disorder, disordered eating, and depression. He admitted to having an eating disorder for at least a year and feeling depressed for a significant period after the film wrapped.
In order to get into character for The Pianist, Brody reportedly put himself on a near-starvation diet, only eating small bits of protein while playing Chopin’s piano works for hours on end. He also restricted his water intake during filming. After winning an Academy Award for his performance in the film, Brody took a yearlong break from acting, feeling the pressure to live up to the success of The Pianist and avoiding roles that he felt were less successful.
Following a period of hiatus, Brody returned to acting inspired by his girlfriend, fashion designer Georgina Chapman. He credits her with helping him recalibrate and realize that pursuing acting with an open heart was his destiny. Brody took another break in 2018 before returning to star in the film The Brutalist, where he plays artist Lázsló Tóth who escaped Nazi-occupied Europe during the Holocaust. This role allowed Brody to break the illusion that suffering was necessary for portraying a character authentically.
Similar to his experience with The Pianist, Brody felt a responsibility to authentically portray Tóth in The Brutalist. He recognized the importance of capturing the Hungarian sensibility, sensitivity, and strength of the character. Brody revealed that he was surprised to learn that he did not need to take home as much anguish from the character as he had previously thought. He found that he was able to conjure up the character without extending his own suffering.
Brody’s journey in navigating the effects of his role in The Pianist, his struggles with disordered eating, and his return to acting with a renewed perspective highlights the challenges and sacrifices that actors often make for their craft. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, resources such as the National Alliance for Eating Disorders website and hotline are available for support and assistance. It is essential for individuals in the spotlight like Brody to prioritize their mental and physical well-being while pursuing their passion in the entertainment industry.
