At The Lighthouse Of Madness
Ed. note: this was originally written 9/11/19
On 3 hours sleep and 3 cups of coffee, I’ve decided to spill My beans on the reason why I put myself in this situation and why it was worth it.
Last night I saw an early (release) and late (night) showing of Robert Eggers’ The Lighthouse. The already critically lauded feature from A24 has been stirring quite the storm since it’s debut at Cannes this year and has only grown since. Most critics praising the stark visuals of black and white in a 1:19:1 aspect ratio (similar to another A24 release: A Ghost Story, which used a 1:33:1 ratio), it’s lead performances from future Batman, Robert Pattinson and an Oscar worthy turn from seasoned veteran Willem Dafoe but also the fact that it may have surpassed Eggers’ feature debut The VVitch. So much so, to the point where there are early nomination talks.
[Ed. all it got was a nomination for cinematography and I’m a bit salty about it]
So due to all of this, I had to see this film and did not want to wait till January for its UK release.
Fortunately I was able to find a showing of it near enough to me and although I’m in the aforementioned state I am in now: it was worth it.
Set in the late 19th century, two lighthouse keepers Ephraim Winslow (Robert Pattinson) a newly contracted wickie (another name for lighthouse keeper) and Thomas Wake (Willem Dafoe) whom has been a wickie for some time, are left stranded when a fearsome storm hits the island they’ve been stationed on and begin their slow descent into madness.
Although a slow burn to start, this film is worth all the uproar it has caused. The above mentioned praises from critics are absolutely worthy. The visual realm conjured by Eggers and his team create a claustrophobic, transportive and lived-in world whilst feeling absolute of the era it is set. The performances from Pattinson and Dafoe are possibly the best I’ve seen of them both, from Dafoe’s expansive albeit terrifying monologues to Pattinson’s escalating Ephraim who goes from stoic and sober to losing his cool over a seagull. And yes, it lives up to (and possibly surpases) the high standard The VVitch had set for Eggers’ future works.
Another thing I’d like to mention though is the films humour. Starting off with what can only be described as some form of flatulent dominance from Defoe’s Wake slowly turns into something almost akin to the hidden humour of similarly found in a film like There Will Be Blood, where in certain scenes have you so shocked you’re not too sure whether to laugh or be terrified. The films tone tip toes this line perfectly or in some cases will utilise it during a terrifying scene with some well executed one liners but it doesn’t undercut the tension, it merely either enhances or stabilises it.
There is also much to read into the film, with its surface themes of; masculinity, alcoholism and detachment from civilization, to its possible subtexts of; homosexuality, gaslighting (both of which I felt the titular lighthouse was a visible metaphor for) and it’s influence from the greek myth of Prometheus and the incident that happened at Smalls Lighthouse in Wales from whence the film is set. Sadly though my mind is still melting and a second viewing I feel is vital to really dig deep and flesh out some of these themes which will have film fans discussing for years to come.
On the whole, this is a superb sophomore scare from Robert Eggers which solidifies him as one of the new blood of Hollywood to keep an eye on. Soaking with rich iconography, stellar performances and bold ambition The Lighthouse will guide the next decade of horror into a bright and hopefully strange future.
