Adrien Brody Reveals PTSD from The Pianist Role

Adrien Brody has opened up about the emotional and physical toll of his Oscar-winning role in Roman Polanski's 2002 film The Pianist, where he portrayed Holocaust survivor Władysław Szpilman. In interviews, he revealed that he underwent an extreme diet to lose 30 pounds, ultimately weighing just 129 pounds, which contributed to his struggle with PTSD and an eating disorder following the film's completion. Brody described how this intense preparation led to a profound understanding of emptiness and hunger, leaving lasting scars on his mental health. His commitment to method acting, while praised, raises questions about the cost of such immersive performances. Now, with his latest film The Brutalist generating Oscar buzz, Brody reflects on the harrowing experience of The Pianist as both a pivotal moment in his career and a source of personal trauma. Despite the challenges, he remains a respected figure in Hollywood, showcasing the complexities of an actor's journey through demanding roles.