Right, so I have not been very consistent with these blogs and to be honest, I've just not had the time. Yes, I have still had periods of quarantined isolation since my last post but I've had various other tasks to complete. The main thing is, I'm back. I'm here and I promise to be more consistent with these blogs! I was really struggling to decide on what film I would choose to write about next and a film I thought would be both interesting and challenging to write about, was 'The Lighthouse.'
Directed by Robert Eggers, the film follows the experience of two light-keepers played by Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe, as they spend their time maintaining a lighthouse on an isolated New England island in the 1890s; all whilst trying not to lose their grip on reality and sanity. The first thing that is immediately made apparent by this film, is the artistic visuals that shower this production. Credits for cinematography must obviously go to Jarin Blaschke, whose work on this film is incredible. So much so that the film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Cinematography at the 2020 Academy Awards. The immediate combination of both the aspect ratio of 1.19:1 paired with the black and white filter over the entire film, ties in perfectly with the time period the film is set in, whilst creating a visceral and gritty film to watch. After researching about the use of 1.19:1, I discovered that 'The 1.19:1 (or 1.20:1) ratio comes from using standard 35mm film (with a 1.33:1 image area) and then sticking an optical soundtrack on the left side of the image, reducing the projectable image area. Once optical sound became standard (replacing sound on disc and a bunch of other kooky formats), cameras and film stock were standardised to be able to add the optical soundtrack to the film without compromising the aspect ratio and available image space.'* This process of adding an optical soundtrack to the positive film used when showing the film, was primarily used in the early '20s and 30's and so, therefore, this fits roughly with the time period of the film. Another point to add is that the use of the aspect ratio also mirrors the isolation and claustrophobia of the two men as the camera is quite literally 'isolated' from the sides on the screen and draws your focus center screen.
There is lots that I could rant about in relation to this film as it is so rich with detail but yet at the same time, simplicity. Eggers carefully crafts the film in a way that displays the mental decline of the two protagonists but keeps you watching and wondering what will happen next on an island where nothing is really occurring. Pattinson and Dafoe's relationship is particularly interesting as one would assume these two men would form a close bond firsthand in order to make the following weeks bearable, however, the film portrays the initial tension between the two only to make their union in the middle of the film more poignant which ultimately contrasts to their relationship at the end of the film when their grip on reality is rapidly fading. Furthermore, we're able to see a full circle approach taken in regards to their relationship as they both get to a point when they no longer trust anyone in their weakened mental state and illuminates the isolating task they have both undertaken in traveling to this island; not to mention, the claustrophobic pressure Willem Dafoe's character Wake places onto Wilson (Robert Pattinson) which overall adds to the chaotic and stressful atmosphere maintained within the film.
To conclude, the film is quite simply a rollercoaster ride into the decline of the human mind and the effect severe isolation can have on one's psyche. Shown through the lens of the black and white filter, paired with the unconventional aspect ratio and constant shift from the darkness of the confines of the Lighthouse, to the extremely bright sky outside the walls really ties into both the period film is set in and the themes of isolation as these men attempt to get through their chores day by day. There are many different parts of the film I want to delve into but without spoiling the film too much I feel I have attempted to just skim the surface of why I feel this film is so brilliant and mesmerising. I recommend a good watch when you're able to really concentrate on what is occurring because you will find you pick up on specific details that are key to the film, but Eggers doesn't make it that hard when the film is so captivating and intriguing to watch. It's not a light watch, but it's 100% worth it.
Quick Trivia
A custom cyan filter made by Schneider Filters emulated the look and feel of orthochromatic film from the late 19th century. This filter blocks all the red wavelengths from hitting the film so that the reds appear black. Considering most pores and skin tones have red in them, the orthochromatic emulation allows the audience to see just about every imperfection and pore on the actors faces.
Robert Pattinson's accent is based on a very specific area of Maine farming dialect, while Willem Dafoe's is the jargon of Atlantic fishermen and sailors of the time.
The story is very loosely based on a real-life tragedy from 1801 (called "The Smalls Lighthouse Tragedy"), in which two Welsh lighthouse keepers, both named Thomas, became trapped on their lighthouse station during a storm.
Willem Dafoe learned how to knit for his role.
When asked to describe the movie, director/writer Robert Eggers always used the same choice of words in every interview: "Nothing good can happen when two men are trapped alone in a giant phallus."
Robert Eggers knew from the start that the film had to be in black and white. Even before he began writing the script, he wrote on the front page: "This film must be photographed on black & white 35mm negative, Aspect ratio: 1.19:1, Audio mix: Mono."
Principal photography lasted 35 days and took place in April and May 2018 in Cape Forchu (Yarmouth) and Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
*Criterion Channel forum (Anonymous User).
Director: Robert Eggers
Cinematographer: Jarin Blaschke
Certificate: 15
Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Horror
Stream: Sky Cinema UK