This is a special edition of Light Hearted, devoted to a discussion of the movie The Lighthouse.
The Lighthouse is directed and produced by Robert Eggers, who co-wrote the screenplay with his brother Max Eggers. Shot in black-and-white, the film follows two lighthouse keepers (portrayed by Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson) who start to lose their sanity when a storm hits the remote island on which they are stationed. Although the exact setting and time period is not specified, it is apparently an island on the Maine coast in the late 1800s. The film was shot on Cape Forchu on the south coast of Nova Scotia.
The first part of this podcast episode is a discussion between hosts Michelle Jewell Shaw, Cindy Johnson, and Jeremy D’Entremont. This second part is a discussion between Jeremy D’Entremont and former lighthouse keeper Chris Mills.
Chris Mills is a former lighthouse keeper at 11 different light stations in three provinces on both the east and west coasts of Canada. He was a founding member of the Nova Scotia Lighthouse Preservation Society, and he has authored two books: Vanishing Lights and Lighthouse Legacies: Stories of Nova Scotia’s Lightkeeping Families. Chris lives in Ketch Harbour, Nova Scotia. He works for the Canadian Coast Guard as a deckhand on a lifeboat. He’s also had a career as a radio DJ and news announcer.
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U.S. Lighthouse Society Historian Jeremy D’Entremont is the author of 24 books and hundreds of articles on lighthouses and maritime history. He is a past president of the American Lighthouse Foundation and founder of Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses, and he has lectured and narrated cruises throughout the Northeast and in other regions. He is also the producer and host of the U.S. Lighthouse Society’s weekly podcast, “Light Hearted.” He can be emailed at Jeremy@uslhs.org
Sorry did not like this movie. Understand the ideas and concept, but did not enjoy it.
It’s not for everyone, that’s for sure. I liked it but I respect your opinion.
Oh jeeze, you guys make me want to watch it AGAIN. I initially walked away from it with mixed feelings, but ultimately thought it was TOO over the top for a thumbs-up rating, despite the great shots and premise. But I think you can’t reiterate it enough – this film is NOT for the weak of heart. Bizarre, avant-garde, dare I say art film? Felt like a Guy Maddin movie. Thanks for the podcast. You’re making me reconsider viewing it.
Thanks for the comment. Sounds like we did our job!