Cinematic Modalities: Exploring Frame, Image, And Sound in ‘The Lighthouse’

Robert Eggers’ ‘The Lighthouse’ (2019) is a masterclass in cinematic innovation, blending visual and auditory elements to create an immersive experience that transcends conventional storytelling. Set in the late 19th century, the film follows two lighthouse keepers as they descend into madness on a remote, stormy island. The film’s exploration of frame, image, and sound is crucial to its success, with each modality working in concert to craft a hauntingly atmospheric narrative. In 2024, ‘The Lighthouse’ continues to be studied and revered for its groundbreaking approach to these cinematic elements.

One of the most distinctive aspects of ‘The Lighthouse’ is its aspect ratio. Eggers chose to shoot the film in a 1.19:1 aspect ratio, reminiscent of early sound films from the 1920s. This narrow, almost square frame contributes to the film’s claustrophobic atmosphere, mirroring the isolation and confinement experienced by the characters. The tight framing limits the audience’s field of vision, intensifying the sense of entrapment and disorientation as the characters spiral into madness. This choice of aspect ratio was a bold departure from contemporary widescreen formats, making ‘The Lighthouse’ visually striking and thematically resonant.

Image Courtesy: Slate.com

The black-and-white cinematography further enhances the film’s unsettling mood. Shot on 35mm film, the stark contrasts between light and shadow evoke the aesthetics of German Expressionism, a movement known for its exploration of psychological horror. The high-contrast lighting and deep shadows create a sense of unease, emphasizing the characters’ internal struggles and the oppressive environment. The monochromatic palette strips away any distraction, focusing the viewer’s attention on the raw emotions and intense dynamics between the characters.

Sound design plays an equally pivotal role in ‘The Lighthouse’, contributing to the film’s immersive and harrowing atmosphere. The relentless roar of the ocean, the blaring foghorn, and the creaks and groans of the lighthouse itself are omnipresent, becoming almost like characters in their own right. 

Image Courtesy: GQ

These sounds are not merely background noise; they are integral to the storytelling, reflecting the characters’ deteriorating mental states and heightening the sense of doom. The film’s soundscape blurs the line between diegetic and non-diegetic sound, pulling the audience deeper into the characters’ psyche.

The dialogue in ‘The Lighthouse’ is another crucial element that interacts with its visual and auditory modalities. Written in a period-accurate, archaic style, the dialogue contributes to the film’s authenticity and atmosphere. 

The language, dense with maritime jargon and folklore, adds to the sense of disorientation and alienation. The performances of Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson are vital in delivering this dialogue with intensity and nuance, grounding the film’s surreal narrative in palpable human emotion.

Eggers’ use of visual motifs further deepens the film’s exploration of frame and image. The repeated shots of the lighthouse’s beam cutting through the darkness, the spiraling staircase, and the ominous seagulls all serve as visual symbols that reinforce the film’s themes of obsession, power, and the supernatural. 

-Sushmita Sarkar