The Lighthouse

This is a beautifully filmed black and white movie in a 1.19:1 square format which is evocative of a different time, as if the hypnotic movie The Lighthouse was created outside of all time and space. Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson give magnificent performances, and they compete to outperform each other in who portrays the most manic version of a madman. Figuring out the symbolism of the scenes, and the point of certain moments in the plot, offers up all sorts of parallels extending back to ancient times, however, I do not want to give out any spoilers, The Lighthouse is definitely a movie that everyone has to interpret in their own way. It is a very well-made art-house horror movie, which makes you completely believe the loneliness and hopelessness is real, so I was still waiting for some element from Robert Eggers, which would completely knock me off my feet while watching his movie, which did not happen. Anyhow, I still acknowledge his great directing skills and unique vision, and I will be very interested in his future directorial work. I heartily recommend seeing The Lighthouse on the big screen and, if possible, with very well-translated subtitles. [Sitges 2019] (10/06/2019)

After The Witch, Robert Eggers directs another period and psychologically challenging piece, this time in black and white and square format, making it feel like it was made in 1910. that initially repulsed me, but eventually I found myself immersed in the plot and enjoying the nightmare driven to madness. Both Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson give great performances, the dialogue is impressive, the atmosphere thickens and there are a few disturbing scenes (a seagull being bludgeoned to death, a live burial, masturbation over a mermaid and the final scene is very raw). Here I can understand 10 stars and 0, so it depends on you, but I was not bored. 7/10. (01/08/2020)

The Lighthouse is a film where atmosphere is everything and the story is nothing. After the interesting and successful The Witch, Eggers had a free hand and he took advantage of it in his own way. He mocks the popcorn audience with their ideas of horror full of jumpscares and ghosts. Eggers is perhaps the only director who not only heard of Lovecraft and read something from him, but also thought about his work and was inspired by his theoretical foundations. Sartre already knew that hell is not devils, but other people. Put two ultimate sociopaths on a deserted island, give one an illusion of power, and expose the other to humiliation and the result will arrive soon enough. There is nothing, only loneliness, and boredom spiced up by memories of the sound of crushing human bones and failed relationships. Sexual frustration, bitterness, and rising levels of hatred supported by the distillate in the blood. The raging water element invigorates the imagination, just like a superstitious sailor's tales. Eggers impressively works with mythological references, with image and sound, and cleverly avoids literalness. Both actors reward him with excellent acting, the kind you don't see often. All in all, The Lighthouse is one of the most impressive horror films I have had the opportunity to see. Overall impression: 95%. (02/15/2022)

Just like in his The Witch, the director relishes creating the right atmosphere, but his film is very inapproachable; he makes every effort to spoil your viewing experience. The actors in the leading roles (Dafoe and Pattison) deliver superb performances, moreover in black and white, in a spooky, morbid environment with a hidden evil like from Lovecraft. I like all of this, but the inapproachability of the film makes it hard to give it better than average rating. It is, however, definitely a unique experience. (01/30/2020)

The Lighthouse is undoubtedly a remarkable experience. A film composed of black and white shots in the classic aspect ratio, full of magical realism turning into naturalism. Even its language is different, and the script is inspired by the language of real 19th-century sailors and the unfinished short story by E. A. Poe. The result is certainly worthy of attention, but it is open to debate whether pure naturalism would be a more appropriate form. (03/19/2022)