Written by Peyton Brock, Photo courtesy of IMDB
The ominous drone of a fog-horn. The crash of waves against a distant steamship. A lone lighthouse, shining in the mist. These are the opening sights and sounds of writer/director Robert Eggers’ tense, mysterious, captivating and at times humorous 2019 horror film “The Lighthouse.” The film played at the Lucas theater Jan. 21, as part of their Arthouse Cinema series – one of several ongoing film series at both SCAD theaters.
Set in the late 1800s, the story tells the tale of two lighthouse keepers, Thomas Wake (Willem Dafoe) and Ephraim Winslow (Robert Pattinson), and their four-week stint tending to a lighthouse on a remote and distant island, amidst a tumultuous sea. However, things are not as they seem, as Wake fills Winslow’s head with confusion and tall tales. The island begins to twist the men’s minds – Winslow hides a dark secret and Wake mysteriously guards the light to the lighthouse.
“The Lighthouse” is a horror film that scares with a subtle hand, using an uneasy atmosphere, moody cinematography and mystery to create its fright; much like Kubrick’s films “The Shining” or Egger’s first film “The Witch.”
Shot in black and white, in a boxed 1:19:1 aspect ratio, the film harkens back to the silent film era, shrouding its narrative in a believable history and authenticity – like an old story that’s been told before. The film’s striking black and white shadows and highlights, along with precise camera movements and framed shots, aid the film in its old-world feel and the disquieting tone.
Command performances from Dafoe and Pattinson anchor the film, captivating the audience as their character’s tumultuous working relationship unfolds. Moments of levity and humor are even injected into the film, such as an ongoing gag about flatulence, to help juxtapose and counter the film’s more intense moments.
To offer a “definitive” reading of the meaning for “The Lighthouse” would be in disservice to the film’s intentionally abstract and symbolic nature. However it’s clear that Eggers crafted a film that focuses on subjects such as abusive and toxic relationships and mythology and folklore. These themes and ideas are not uncommon for Eggers, as they are present in his first film.
Shades of the Promethean myth from Greek Mythology can be seen in the film, as an otherworldly fire tempts and ultimately punishes those who covet it. Tales and myths of mer-creatures and sea curses play a significant role in the films world and symbolism as well. Wakes’ manipulative and harsh treatment of Winslow hints to the nature and cycles of unhealthy relationships. “The Lighthouse” is a film that does not give direct answers to its mysteries, but rather symbols and ideas, seeded into the viewer’s mind – which grow into personal readings of the film after repeat viewings.
While sharing much more in common with an Ingmar Bergman film than your typical horror movie, “The Lighthouse” is still a fantastic combination of a genuine character study, a tense period piece and a thought provoking enigma that can be enjoyed, although not immediately understood, by the average viewer. It’s beautiful, not only narratively, but technically as well, as seen by its cinematography nomination for this year’s Academy Awards.
