Empire of Light

Diary Entry forEmpire of Light

grimmer
Tuesday, 3 January 2023

One of the strangest films I’ve watched in awhile, everything about this feels… off. The ‘couple’ have such an unusual age gap it feels so strange, but worse than that is they have pretty much no s*xual chemistry. Like it comes off as a mother and son dynamic to me, much more than a s*x dynamic. She’s double his age, and I know people don’t see a problem with it as they’re both adults, but I find it very creepy. However, what I will say is there are some absolutely fantastic shots and scenes throughout. The project room and every scene showing it is great. Wish the film was more about this.

Other Diary Entries forEmpire of Light

joaomarco2003's profile
joaomarco2003

Empire of Light

A questão mais problemática acerca do "bem fazer" é quando tudo que deveria ser expressão se converte em mero adorno e/ou fetichização estilística das formas e mecanismos que expõe. Nada sobra a ser comentado em exemplares como Empire of Light além de frivolidades muito mais tecnicistas do que efetivas em dar potência ao texto dramático. Nesse sentido, Mendes nunca esteve tão confortável na posição de esteta quanto aqui.

2d ago
Codeliusthe2nd's profile
Codeliusthe2nd

Empire of Light

Empire of Lightis a tight drama that takes advantage of the talent of its actors, allowing them the room to create grounded characters. Colman and Ward play off each other wonderfully, creating a dynamic that makes the film work. This wasn’t entirely what I was expecting to come next from Mendes, but I’m glad this is what he decided to follow 1917up with.

3d ago
noelle's profile
noelle

Empire of Light

I freaking knew this was filmed in Margate!! That weird seaside pool convinced me because I remember seeing that irl and just wondering why. At the q&a Micheal Ward said Margate was picked because of its unchanged 80s look which makes a bunch of sense. It’s like a more dilapidated Brighton. The story itself is all over the place and the script couldn’t stick to one or two themes but the acting is superb and the cinematography is of course gorgeous.

7d ago
reynata

Empire of Light

"Don't let them tell you what you can or can't do. No one's gonna give you the life you want. You have to go out and get it". Maybe the story isn't powerful enough and the characterization also not really interesting. But, Roger Deakin's cinematography, the score, and the way Sam Mendes directing it makes Empire of Light feels so charming to me. Tells a bit about racism and mental health issues make this movie feel important. Not the best work of Sam Mendes, but still worth to watch.

8d ago

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Empire of Light

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