17 Comments
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Hellish Views - Harry Evans's avatar

Man I love this film. I do feel it has a lot to give, and the silliness adds all the more. Rewatching it recently I really did have a blast. It's easy, it's ridiculous, it's wild. Big fan. Great review.

George R. Galuschak's avatar

I really enjoyed it also. Huge change-up from The VVitch. I’m not sure if some of the moments I thought were funny were meant to be that way, but this is a film I’d watch again. I’m sure there are things I missed.

Hellish Views - Harry Evans's avatar

I definitely think it's an intentionally funny film 😂

George R. Galuschak's avatar

I honestly couldn't tell!

Horror Literati (Jen Smith)'s avatar

I enjoyed The Lighthouse even though I never knew exactly what was happening. I noted allusions to Coleridge's Rime of the Ancient Mariner and Lovecraftian tones with the ending, which I appreciated. The VVitch is my favorite movie of all time, so I had high expectations heading into The Lighthouse. I wasn't disappointed by it, but, like you wrote, it definitely wasn't what I expected. I enjoyed reading your thoughts about it. Your method of distinction between the two Toms made me laugh. Great piece!

George R. Galuschak's avatar

Thanks for reading! I didn’t make the connection with The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, good catch. The imagery in this movie is striking. I loved the foghorn, also.

It’s a real change-up from The VVitch.

H. H. Duke's avatar

I also expected this movie to be more classically horror than it was - I'm surprised by how much I like it, honestly. I definitely think the comedy and humor aspects are intentional. I like that you can interpret the movie in multiple ways. Ultimately, it's about a dick measuring contest, both men vying to be in possession of the big phallus (AKA the lighthouse).

I always enjoy reading your take on things, George!

George R. Galuschak's avatar

Thanks very much! Now that I’ve had a few days to process the film, I have to say that I agree that the humor is intentional. It does have horrific sequences, but I wouldn’t call it a horror movie.

I liked the film, also. I liked it more than The VVitch, which is a much better movie. I give Eggers props for changing things up and trying something new!

Cedric's avatar

For as visually appealing as this film is, i have a hard time connecting with the characters. This is also true with many of Eggers’ films.

George R. Galuschak's avatar

Agreed. I liked Dafoe’s character better, but I wasn’t crazy about either of them, so the film didn’t have much in the way of stakes for me.

Horror Hangouts's avatar

I like the analogy comparing the Toms to cartoon characters

George R. Galuschak's avatar

To me, that’s what they felt like — especially as the movie went on!

Horror Hangouts's avatar

I never thought of it that way but thinking I think you’re right

Misty Layne's avatar

I always planned to watch this one eventually, but absolutely none of it sounds appealing now, lol.

George R. Galuschak's avatar

It’s an interesting film, but I would call it a drama that has both horror and comedic elements rather than a horror movie. The cinematography is great, but the characters are both really unlikable.

Simon Duckett's avatar

My take: Two Blokes Farting in a Shed: One or two moments of absolute brilliance adrift on an ocean of portentous cobblers

George R. Galuschak's avatar

Fair take! I wasn’t expecting all that farting, tbh. The imagery of the movie is great, and some of the scenes are real eye-openers, but it didn’t come together for me.