The Lighthouse
It’s been nary twenty four hours since somberly leaving the theatre after watching The Lighthouse and I’m still unsure what I just witnessed, but I do have a feeling I just participated in something unique, and maybe even great. Throughout the nearly two hour runtime of the film, I was mesmerized from beginning to end, and there were many moments that have stuck with me, with noted significance on the performances by Patterson and Dafoe: they were incredible. Dafoe’s Thomas Wake has a few close shot monologues that had me pouring over every word, every movement of his face and terrified as I gazed into those unblinking eyes. Pattinson plays Winslow, a newcomer in the lighthouse keeping world: he is adamant to perform his duties by the book, but is quickly (or maybe it’s slowly) rolled over by Wake’s relentless task-driving and unwillingness to adhere to anyone’s rules but his own. Wake keeps the upper portion of the lighthouse off limits to Winslow, which – combined with living in such small quarters with someone and a belligerent seagull – drive…