But who keeps the lights on in the mind?
Presentation:
Square format, film, black and white. cinema? The Lighthouse is one of Egger’s most interesting art films with psychological qualities. Willem Dafoe steals the show, generating the madness necessary for this avant garde tour de force. Sets are decrepit and barren, adding to the isolating atmosphere of an old painting. Visually and compositionally the film is excellent, drawing frames that are highly reminiscent of Bergman’s Persona, and tones from The Old Man and the Sea. But does it pull off the same psychological impact, or does it become an exercise for those that love edgy films?
Conclusion:
Thematically the film solidly presents the isolation and fragility of the human mind. It wants you to be uncomfortable but shock value is not enough to elicit a positive recommendation. Discomfort for the sake of discomfort can be frustrating and probably won’t evoke an emotional response for those that have seen it all. It's surely an experience but felt more like a short folk tale one would read in the newspaper. It's a strong mood piece that your sophisticated brain will love, but will leave your monkey brain wanting as there’s nothing tangible to latch onto other than the subconscious. Could very well be a short story from Hemingway and no one would have noticed. You either love this or hate it but I have the feeling that fans only enjoy the idea of this film and not the film itself. In trying to showcase insanity, it succeeds in making the audience feel the same, for better or worse.
Recommendations
But who keeps the lights on in the mind?