When a film is in the hands of a great director the use of black and white allows for a broader spectrum of texture which can be achieved cinematically by experimenting with lighting, depth of field, camera angles and visual effects. 'The Lighthouse' expertly balances the use of these visual elements in cohesion with each other while increasing the dramatic intensity between plot and the films technical aspects. Setting of common shadows and vivid grey scale deepen the darkness of the picture while simultaneously sharpening the facial expressions and grimaces of the characters giving the visual a clear and ominous presentation.

Natural lighting utilized by Eggers adds to the realism and horror in his picture and with the use of typical 18th century lighting objects such as candles and lanterns the light is more prone to movement and flickering which creates a sense of eerie disturbance and unbalance. Moonlight illuminates the ocean waters at night creating a path of light that entices Ephraim Winslow who must find solace away from the lighthouse as Thomas Wake has forbidden him from entering into where the source of light resides. Wakes obsession with the light is unsettling, sexual in nature and creates an immediate tension between the two characters only furthering the potential for conflict. Amid the unsettling tone and hallucinogenic leaps of time a bleak comedy is present in the form of farts which is hilarious and a genius way of evoking a visceral reaction from the audience.

By Eggers using the square frame the intensity of the scenes is heightened as the feel of claustrophobia becomes prominent especially in the close up shots. The framing of his shots are unique for the horror genre and the way he draws you into the picture but still keeps you uneasy is a commendable skill. From using a century old lens and a custom built lighthouse the authenticity shines through and his focus on natural elements including the ocean, waves, rain, clouds, lightning, wind and animals in birds and mermaids provides us with a cinematically organic viewing experience.

What makes this film so brilliant is that it turns light one of the most beautiful and life giving forces in the universe into a wicked an terrifying omen that haunts and shapes the thoughts of evil men. Enchantment, magic or just the perilous madness that descends upon the minds of men who have committed acts they cannot forgive themselves for. A mixture between the two is the perfect blend for insanity as Eggers brings us into the depths of Winslows soul and the turmoil which comes from internal struggle of accepting the heinous act of murder. When we reach the climax Winslow who we come to find is actually Thomas Howard using a false identity finally reaches the source of the light, as he approaches the steps the latch opens ever so slowly almost begging him to enter. Slowly the Fresnel Lens methodically opens itself to Thomas who gazes into the reflective interior with mind altering euphoria seemingly experiencing every emotion possible in the human spectrum before letting out an uncontrollable scream as the light brightens then slips down the stairs breaking bones in the process. The light is the most intriguing and mysterious supernatural force and is something not of the natural world whether it be the power of the gods or a different dimension the power is too great for Thomas to endure and he is dismissed from it.

In the final scene we see Thomas naked on the beach with one eye missing being picked at by gulls feasting on his slowly rotting flesh symbolizing the figure in Greek Mythology Prometheus. These Greek myths are alluded to by Wake when he drunkenly rants and babbles about the punishment of trident wielding gods and becoming the sea itself when threatening Thomas after he insults Wakes cooking which is not cool. Overall a deeply symbolic, metaphorical, fantastical and haunting tale about the capacity for insanity and desire in lost men.

Masterpiece 5/5