The Gonger Reviews...The Lighthouse

The Lighthouse

Starring: William Dafoe, Robert Patterson and Valeriia Karaman.

Synopsis: Ye’ be in for a tale of two salty sea dogs squaring off of one another as the mind plays tricks on thee fragile psyche of these poor souls tending to the light at the edge of the world... yar.

Cinematography: Ye’ flick been taking inspiration from films of yore, depicting an aspect ratio of 1.19:1. Not since the 1930’s have we seen such ratio but it gives this tale of madness a look not unlike ye Frankenstein (1931) or Dracula (1931). Tis a feast for the eye as Jarin Blaschke frames each shot as if it belongs hanging on the wall of the Captains quarters! Each shot a portrait that tells a story in of its self, id hazard ye could watch this flick quite like and still have a whale of a time! Yar.2/2

Soundtrack: Tis a foreboding melody that we are treated to. Mark Korven is no stranger to the moody tune that drains a man of any joy left in this world. From beginning to finish the score beckons from a neither region and never lets go as it drags you down into the cold abyss. Yar.2/2

Directing: The skipper of this flick Robert Eggers drives this flick once again to the dark side. Eggers is thee master and commander of todays horror as he brings us a classic tale and vision but innovates in such a way that all becomes shiny and new. Tis a true crafts man who doesn’t neglect his duties as he steers this flick through the rocky waters of cinema. Tis a fine lad indeed! Yar.2/2

Acting: Ye be hard pressed to witness such performances as Dafoe and Patterson give in this ye flick! Dafoe is menacing and Patterson transformative as the two plummet from the sane to the insane. Never have I seen Patterson so animated and true to the craft and Dafoe shows us once again why ye love him so! For a cast of two the energy is magnetic and ye never wish to turn yer eye away! Yar.2/2

Writing: Eggers once again spins a frightening yarn akin to his masterful The Witch (2015). That flick’s dialogue was a treasure to behold and this flick is no different. In fact id hazard its even better this time around as he plays once again on dialect. Tis a sea shanty! Tis a tale of the perils out in the fringes, where good men go mad. Carefully written and a marvel to behold! Yar.2/2

10/10 yar.

Al Stringer