THE LIGHTHOUSE

This extraordinary film is very difficult to pigeonhole.  It has supernatural and horror elements but even a scaredy-cat like me got through it pretty much unscathed.

It doesn’t have much of a story arc: two guys in an isolated lighthouse go crazy about sums it up.

The cast comprises just these two characters: an old sea dog Wake (Willem Dafoe, having a whale of a time) and Winslow, a young guy on the run from his past (Robert Pattinson).

Pattinson argued that the film is a comedy but I would be hard-pressed to agree (even as a black comedy) although there is the odd moment of humour.

The black-and- white cinematography is stunning, and the two performances are totally committed.

I also enjoyed the language which sounded appropriate for the period the film is set in, the late 19th century.  Both characters, especially Wake, get the opportunity to spout long monologues full of curses and invective which are very entertaining.

Ultimately though I ended up feeling that it was a film I admired more than I enjoyed.

RATING: ✓ Cheers