The Lighthouse (2019)
Film Analysis
Director:
Robert Eggers.
Country:
US.
Year:
2019.
Language
English.
Genre:
Psychological Horror/ Fantasy.
Location shot :
Canada.
Setting:
New England in the late 19th century.
Cast:
Robert Pattinson, Willem Dafoe
Based on:
Inspired by folklore and maritime myths.
Production:
A24.
Trailer of The Lighthouse (2019).
Introduction.
When The Lighthouse was released in 2019, I was eager to see it, especially after the lasting impression Robert Eggers' directorial debut, The Witch (2015), had on me. Eggers’ attention to historical detail and atmospheric tension left me with high expectations for his second feature. Watching The Lighthouse in a theater in Sydney was a beautiful experience, and I’m excited to provide a closer analysis (my second film analysis on this website!) of this visually captivating and unsettling film.
The Lighthouse (2019), interesting composition, filmed from above.
The Story
At its core, The Lighthouse explores the psychological deterioration of two men, Thomas Wake (played by Willem Dafoe), an older, grizzled lighthouse keeper, and Thomas Howard (played by Robert Pattinson), his much younger assistant. Set at the end of the 19th century on a remote island off the coast of New England, the narrative revolves around their isolation and the duties of maintaining the lighthouse. As the days stretch on, the relationship between the two characters shifts from fragile civility into a profound psychological and emotional breakdown. The claustrophobic setting, coupled with the oppressive isolation, fosters an atmosphere where the line between reality and madness begins to blur. The film’s tension escalates not only through the physical and emotional exhaustion of the characters but also through the eerie, almost supernatural, elements that threaten to overtake them. The Lighthouse is as much about the men’s inner turmoil as it is about the merciless forces of nature surrounding them.
The Lighthouse (2019)
Cinematography: black-and-white and square format
One of the most striking elements of The Lighthouse is its cinematography. The film’s black-and-white aesthetic immediately sets it apart from contemporary cinema. Shot on 35mm film, the absence of color adds an intense, timeless quality to the film, emphasizing the starkness of the environment and the bleakness of the characters’ plight. By removing color from the equation, Eggers and cinematographer Jarin Blaschke direct the viewer's attention to contrasts of light and shadow, texture, and composition, all of which heighten the film’s oppressive atmosphere.​ The decision to shoot in square format (1.19:1) is equally deliberate. This confined, almost claustrophobic aspect ratio reflects the isolation and psychological entrapment of the characters. The tight frame restricts the viewer’s visual field, mirroring the characters’ inability to escape the oppressive space they inhabit.
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#1. Visual Composition Technique.
The visual compositions are stunning, often resembling still photographs where every shot is meticulously crafted. The symmetry and intentional framing remind me of the work of photographers like Vivian Maier, who famously used the square format to capture intimate, meticulously composed portraits of her subjects. As a fan of Maier's work, I see a similar sense of precision in The Lighthouse. Here, the square format not only enhances the feeling of entrapment but also acts as a platform for Eggers' attention to every visual detail. This composition style enhances the isolation and psychological tension, often placing the characters in the center of the frame, emphasizing their insignificance in the face of their surroundings. The use of tight framing often places the characters in uncomfortable positions, accentuating the sense of confinement.
The Lighthouse (2019): some shots I liked.
Profile shots (side views) technique used in the Lighthouse.
Compositions used for portraits in the Lighthouse (2019).
Symmetry as a composition technique used in the Lighthouse (2019)
Frame Within The Frame technique used in The Lighthouse (2019).
#2. Cinematic Camera Movement Techniques.
In terms of camera movement, Eggers utilizes slow, deliberate motions and tracking shots, creating a sense of dread and anticipation. These movements often seem to be symbolic, as though the camera itself is slowly creeping up on the characters, reflecting their escalating mental states. The overall effect is one of slow-burn tension, where even the smallest movement or shift in focus holds significant weight.​​​
Acting
The acting in this movie is great. Willem Dafoe is a brilliant actor, so versatile, with so many captivating facial expressions. The film features stunning monologues, delivered in an old English accent (which, for me as a non-native English speaker, was sometimes a bit hard to understand, I must say). Robert Pattinson also delivers an stunning performance, particularly in the powerful monologues that showcase his range as an actor. I came across a comment on Youtube that made me chuckle: "Pattinson worked damn hard to shake off the filth of Twilight", and I couldn't agree more. He's a stunning and versatile actor. Filmed in extreme weather conditions, with real rain and wind, the actors faced significant challenges during production, adding to the authenticity of their performances.
"Robert Eggers is a freak for research, so he gave us a lot of fun material to look at: everything from old videos of lighthouse keepers being interviewed to old vintage footage, to different accent tapes, songs, there was lots of stuff, just to get you in the mood, put you there."
- Willem Dafoe about the Lighthouse - Video: 'The Lighthouse' Left Robert Pattinson Wanting to Go Clubbing.
Soundtrack
The music in The Lighthouse (2019) is an integral part of the film's eerie and immersive atmosphere. The film's score was composed by Mark Korven, who also worked on Robert Eggers' previous (and first) film, The Witch (2015). Korven's music for The Lighthouse is characterized by dissonant, haunting sounds, often using unconventional instruments to create an unsettling, claustrophobic feeling. The music is designed to enhance the psychological pressure felt by the characters, reflecting their gradual descent into madness. Additionally, the soundtrack's unpredictable nature mirrors the growing instability of the film's narrative. While the score is key to setting the tone, the film also incorporates other atmospheric sounds, including the wind, the waves, and the creaking of the lighthouse itself, all of which add to the auditory intensity. Together, these sound elements create a visceral experience that complements the visual and thematic elements of the film.
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Check out the soundtrack on Spotify: The Lighthouse (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack).
Final Thoughts.
The Lighthouse stands out as a strong example of atmospheric storytelling, combining historical authenticity with a slow descent into madness. Robert Eggers’ careful attention to period details, along with the compelling performances of Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson, makes the film a captivating viewing experience. The cinematography, featuring black-and-white imagery, a square aspect ratio, and careful compositions, enhances the themes of isolation and mental deterioration, creating a visually striking and immersive atmosphere. Through these elements, The Lighthouse offers a unique and unsettling narrative.​
Interviews and videos to watch on Youtube.
This is the trailer of The Lighthouse (2019)
Interview with Robert Pattinson, Willem Dafoe and Robert Eggers.
Robert Pattinson and Robert Eggers break down a scene from the Lighthouse (2019).
In this video, Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe talk about the Lighthouse (2019).
This is a wonderful one hour (!) interview with Robert Eggers, Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe where they discuss the behind the scenes of this movie.
Small video about the Lighthouse (2019).
Q&A with Robert Pattinson, Robert Eggers and Willem Dafoe.
Short interview with Robert Eggers, Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe.
Short interview with Robert Pattinson.
(9min): Academy Conversations: The Lighthouse. Interesting talk!