LFF REVIEW – THE LIGHTHOUSE (2019)
Directed by: Robert Eggers
Written by: Max Eggers, Robert Eggers
Produced by: Rodrigo Texeira, Jay Van Hoy, Lourenco Sant Anna, Robert Eggers, Youree Henley
Cast: Willem Dafoe, Robert Pattinson
Cinematography: Jarin Blaschke
******* SPOILER FREE ********
Robert Eggers debut feature, The Witch (2015), was a startling debut and deserved the critical acclaim it received. Alas, personally, it left me cold as a story, because I felt little empathy for the characters. By the end, I was totally disconnected from the madness that ensued. Yet, while it failed as a horror film, it did have great performances from the cast and an incredible eye for period detail and language.
Obviously, a talented filmmaker such as Eggers is not going to care what I think; and quite right he is too. Building on the folklore and legends of yesteryear established in The Witch (2015), he has once again delivered a highly ambitious cinematic work on a relatively low budget with The Lighthouse (2019). Indeed, with a superbly researched screenplay full of salty dialogue, authentic locations and insane visuals, I connected way more to this than his debut film.
Shot on black-and-white 35mm with a 1: 19 aspect ratio, Eggers has left us in no doubt his intention to aim for the cinema for the purists among you. Formally though, these creative choices also force the audience into the same claustrophobic, black-hearted watery hell our characters must endure. Moreover, Eggers takes joy in oppressing his characters and the audience. The Lighthouse (2019) is a brilliant but harsh to watch. I mean I felt like I’d been working on a bloody lighthouse myself, such was my mental exhaustion by the end.
The film benefits from two incredible acting performances by Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson. Dafoe represents the experienced sea-dog, with Pattinson as the younger and more secretive, Winslow, The two men drink, eat, work, spar, clash, fart, shout, drink some more and slowly but surely begin to unravel amidst the isolation of the unforgiving rocks, crashing waves and squawking gulls. Full of incredible imagery, devilish sounds and creeping dread, ultimately, The Lighthouse (2019) is a hard film to endure, but an even harder one to forget.
The Cinema Fix presents: 
The Witch was techinally brilliant but didn’t get under my skin, probably the emotion aspect you mention. Great to hear you connected way more with The Lighthouse. Did your screening have English subtitles? I’m wondering if the authentic language could be tough to follow.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading, Chris. My screening had subtitles, but not because of the actual language. It was subtitled for people with hard of hearing. Having said that the language was okay to follow too, because Dafoe and Pattinson deliver it well. No method mumbling or that kind of thing. It’s the imagery and harsh existence which gets you to you most. It’s really unsettling.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So jealous. I want to see this soooooo bad.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha-ha! I think you’ll get totally immersed in this, no doubt!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s on my list to see Paul. Defoe is so interesting.
LikeLike
It’s weird, but definitely worth immersing yourself in. Defoe is fantastic in this!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have always liked him though he’s a bit alarming in his looks. He makes a great bad guy (usually).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, but he’s a bit of both in this, with a very complex performance. Pattinson is very good too.
LikeLike