Review of The Lighthouse (2019) by Cmc — 09 Nov 2019

This is an ambitious effort to make a serious film, and it is excellent in almost all ways. The cinematography and sound in particular stand out. However, many of us agreed that the actors seemed more like they were acting than actually living their roles.

This may be partially due to the somewhat outrageous and extreme lines and roles they had to play, somewhat over the top. Despite the story mostly being portrayed in the first person, you don't really think you get to know anyone.

The film clearly aims to be a psychological drama in the vein of Bergman, but keeps getting undercut by the extreme CG flashbacks that signal more intent on horror than psychology. Once again, the film really is ambitious and involving as it plays.

I kept wondering all through the film if it will find an large audience. But it fails my "next day" test; I was not left with anything to ponder afterwards, and pretty much forgot the details the next day.

So, congrats on a serious effort, particularly in these days of boring and unchallenging movies. Pity it does not really grab me in any way.