Pub.lished Movie Reviews
The Lighthouse (2019)
If you like attractive, moody, strong, and silent types, then you'll definitely appreciate this movie for its well-shot visuals, somber atmosphere, high acclaim, and minimal dialogue."The Lighthouse," directed by Robert Eggers, is a cinematic masterpiece that engulfs audiences in the haunting yet captivating world of two 19th-century lighthouse keepers, played by Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson. The film's visuals and atmosphere are breathtakingly grim and grand, creating an environment that is simultaneously dirty, imposing and claustrophobic.
The lighthouse itself holds a central role in the narrative, serving as the beacon that initially draws the men to their work, only to become the object of their obsession. The film's cinematography and lighting are perhaps the best I've ever seen, with every shot expertly crafted to appear like its own unique symbol or painting.
Director Robert Eggers, along with his reliable production designer Craig Lathrop, did a remarkable job in constructing a realistic setting in Nova Scotia that contributes to the film's terrifying mood. An authentic lighthouse, illuminated by a Fresnel lens replica capable of shining for 16 miles, was built specifically for the film. The structure, standing 70-feet tall and made of tons of concrete, was anchored by iron bars drilled into the bedrock and secured with several safety cables to withstand the harsh wind and storms of the Nova Scotia's Cape Forchu.
The Fresnel lens, which gives off a ghostly light, was one of the most challenging aspects of the film's production. After failing to acquire an original from Australia, Lathrop built his own. The lens, made of acrylic and glass, was hand polished, tinted, and had 230 prisms to create the light.
The interior of the lighthouse, where most of the psychological unraveling occurs, was shot on three sets in Halifax. The house, dating back to the 1800s, was designed to reflect the mentally unstable world of the two main characters.
One unusual aspect of the film was the inclusion of trained seagulls. As training seagulls has been outlawed in North America and Europe, the production team had to resort to using puppets on location and later combining the footage with scenes featuring trained seagulls from England.
The film's atmosphere, coupled with the remote and inhospitable setting, contributes to the overall sense of dread that is present throughout the narrative. The harsh environment pushes the characters to the brink of their sanity, providing audiences with a gripping tale of psychological unraveling. In summary, "The Lighthouse" is a strikingly beautiful yet terrifying film that stands as a testament to the power of visual storytelling.
- You are under the age of 18 as this movie contains some disturbing images, nudity and strong language.
- You prefer light-hearted or comedy films. This film is dark, eerie, and profound with no attempts at humor.
- You are not a fan of black and white or silent films. This movie is shot in black-and-white and has very few dialogues.
- You do not enjoy psychological or surreal themes. The Lighthouse is a heavily symbolic and psychological film.
- You prefer movies with many characters and different locations. This film only features two characters and a single location.
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:
What's the deal with "The Lighthouse"? I mean, are these two guys just the world's worst roommates or what? It's like, if you thought you had a problem when your roommate ate your leftover pizza, try having one who chases you with an axe! And you thought your apartment was small? Try living in a lighthouse! Not a lot of square footage there, folks. And let’s not even get started on the seagull. In New York, we complain about pigeons, but at least they're not carrying around omens of doom and disaster! And the hygiene standards? Forget about it! I've seen cleaner subway bathrooms. This movie is basically a guide on how NOT to Airbnb folks!
No Country for Old Men (2007)
Like "The Lighthouse," "No Country for Old Men" is another intense film with a dark story, uncanny characters, and breathtakingly beautiful sequences. This is a film by the Coen Brothers that excels in its masterful direction, gripping atmosphere and notable performances from actors like Javier Bardem and Tommy Lee Jones.
There Will Be Blood (2007)If you're a fan of "The Lighthouse," you might appreciate "There Will Be Blood," a riveting film directed by the renowned filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson. Just like "The Lighthouse," this movie features an intense battle of wills, heavy themes and masterful cinematography. The outstanding performances by Daniel Day-Lewis and Paul Dano prompt viewers to question their beliefs about religion, power, and insanity.
The Witch (2015):Given that "The Lighthouse" drew you in, one film you should definitely check out is "The Witch," literally from the same director, Robert Eggers. Every bit as atmospheric and unsettling as "The Lighthouse," "The Witch" takes us on a family's terrifying unraveling and descent into hysteria when faced with the unknown in the wilderness of New England in the 1630s.
Moonlight (2016):If you enjoyed the gorgeous cinematography and personal-lived experience narrative of "The Lighthouse," then Barry Jenkins' "Moonlight" could be worth your consideration. The film uses stunning visuals and an emotive score to tell a deeply intimate, moving story over three eras about a young man grappling with his identity and his place in the world.
Mother! (2017):For fans of "The Lighthouse," Darren Aronofsky's "Mother!" is a bold film choice. Like "The Lighthouse," it is a highly symbolic and allegorical film that unpacks densely layered themes of creation, destruction, and rebirth. Jennifer Lawrence's performance and the film's intense, escalating tension make this one a memorable watch.
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