Imagine having to spend four weeks in a remote area, complete a labor-intensive job every day, and deal with the world’s worst boss. That would drive anyone to insanity.
The plot of writer/director Robert Eggers’ “The Lighthouse,” starring Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe is as simple as that.
Set during the 1890s, Pattinson’s character, Winslow, is responsible for keeping a lighthouse running in even the most hellish weather.
Despite the short period the job entails, the conditions end up being too much for Winslow.
Winslow is unable to differentiate real life from hallucinations and goes mad. Where his madness begins and ends though, is up to the viewer
to determine.
Shot in hazy black and white, the film evokes an eerie and mysterious feel. The roughness of the cinematography and square 1.19:1 aspect ratio make it seem like the audience is watching archived footage rather than a film released in 2019.
In a day and age where everything is shot digitally, it was incredibly refreshing to see this on the big screen because of the obvious craft behind it.
I can only imagine how meticulous such a task is, but it definitely pays off as the look of the film works so well with the story.
Both Pattinson and Dafoe’s committed and realistic performances add to the film’s depth.
Pattinson portrays Winslow as a quiet and subservient young man, who is just trying to get through the four weeks of work without any problems.
When he slowly starts to unravel, Pattinson does a great job of showing the restraint behind his actions and eventual submission into mania.
It’s not shocking to see where his character ends up, but his behavior feels so real in terms of someone who is mentally affected by their environment.
Some may dismiss Pattinson because of his work in the “Twilight” series, but he’s absolutely remarkable in this film.
This is probably his best role to date, and his recent work on other independent films have proven he is much more than the attractive and sparkly vampire he played 10 years ago.
Dafoe is just as great, if not better, as the peculiar and overbearing Thomas. It’s difficult to know his motivations because the audience is seeing him through Winslow’s eyes.
Dafoe plays the part so skillfully, I forgot he was acting at times. He switches from menacing to calm in such a seamless manner.
It can be hard to watch a film without seeing the actor instead of a character sometimes, but with this film I didn’t see Dafoe at all.
Not to mention, both actors must have endured what appears to be an unpleasant and tough shoot because of where their characters have to go mentally and physically.
It’s admirable how far they are willing to go to make the film so bizarre and unique.
If you’re into original and eccentric independent films, I’d recommend “The Lighthouse.” I had one of my favorite theatrical experiences this year watching it.
However, it isn’t for the faint of heart. In the words of Dafoe’s Thomas to Winslow, “I seen you sparring with the gull. Best leave him be.”
