The Lighthouse

This movie shouldn't just be watched casually during the day or during a social event. This is really a movie for people who enjoy film and the art of cinema. I know that sounds very pretentious, but that is the best way I can describe how this movie should be watched. It is really best to watch it in a quiet room, the lights turned way down, and anything that you would want to snack on readily available to you.

The film itself is absolutely gorgeous. But it has to be. Everything that makes this movie had to be made very intentionally, or the movie would be horrible. If this movie was in color, it would be dumb. It is the beautiful shots using light and shadow that really brings you in. Every scene filmed at night took my breath away. The scenes of the mermaid made more surreal because of the lack of color. Like I said, even a touch of color in this movie would have destroyed it.

It is weird and not a typical movie. There is no solid protagonist and antagonist. It is two men falling into madness and the surrealism it depicts. It is a lot of talking, but only between the two main characters. Like I said, not a typical popcorn watching movie. Trying to watch it when it isn't your only focus would be like trying to watch The Seventh Seal at a football party.

So, while I think this movie was beautifully made, be aware of what you are getting into. You will be watching a black and white film of two men arguing, and falling into madness together with pops of the surreal. If that is your jams, then you will love this movie.

Both characters have few if any redeeming qualities, which makes this mind twisting movie difficult to get behind. The cinematography was good, the acting was on point, the writing was quotable but I wanted in to be over half way through. I'm still confused as to what the point was, other than to convey discomfort.

I discovered this film as a large puzzle. Different pieces , from the atmosphere to the acting and flavor of old fashion Gothic stories are pieces of this dark, profound, bitter not comfortable but inspired in each scene film. A film about loneliness. And one of films with the main virtue to be a return to a form of cinema who can be defined as good refuge. So, a puzzle. An admirable one.

Robert Eggers' second (?) feature is a superb piece of mind-bending cinema. There are parallels with his earlier film, The Witch, elements of psychological horror which Eggers clearly finds interesting and hopefully hasn't finished exploring just yet. The decision to film in black and white is a stroke of genius. Every scene is filled with ominous portent and obscuring shadows. The film plays with our perceptions and moods throughout. There are moments of comedy amongst the gloom, the two men stranded on the rock endure a tumultuous relationship, by turns suspicious, angry and even savage, then there are unexpected moments of comradeship fuelled by alcohol. We are forced to question constantly who is mad, or perhaps madder? Are they in the grip of a storm, or are they in Hell? And the soundtrack! No one I can think of uses sound to create atmosphere quite like Eggers. Foghorns, the relentlessly howling wind, the seagulls; is it any wonder if they were as mad as a box of frogs? Willem Dafoe is absolutely fantastic in The Lighthouse. He really should be considered for an Oscar for his turn as the saltiest of old seadogs, spouting rage-filled Melville-esque invective straight from Davey Jones' locker, at sporadic intervals. I don't think there are many actors who could've pulled off that performance with such aplomb. He chews the scenery mercilessly, but it is exactly what the role requires; his Thomas Wake is a force of nature in human form. The Lighthouse won't be to everyone's taste, and it would be a mistake to view it as a moody twin sister of The Witch (which was a genuine horror); but I found it to be mesmerising and intriguing, and a fabulously well-crafted psychological drama with trimmings of horror.

The acting is great, the cinematograpgy is AMAZING! There's such a haunting feeling to this movie. The island and the lighthouse really feels like a place from wich you never return. Everything is amazing about this movie, and still i feel like something's missing. The plot just cant keep up with the rest of the movie.

I really loved watching it, but i didnt love it...