Running time: 115 minutes
Starring: Olivia Colman, Michael Ward, Toby Jones, Colin Firth, Tom Brooke, Tanya Moodie, Hannah Onslow, Crystal Clarke
Directed by: Sam Mendes
The story: Against the backdrop of an old cinema on the South coast of England in the 1980’s, an unlikely romance begins.
The verdict: An explosion of colours against an inky black sky. Two characters silhouetted as they gaze skyward in awe and wonder at the spectacle of fireworks above them. Slowly their eyes meet and something passes between them - whatever problems face them, and in spite of all their differences, they have found something beautiful.
The latest offering from Sam Mendes has received mixed reviews and a fair amount of criticism. Whilst Empire of Light may not rank amongst the very best the director has to offer, I found so much to love about it.
For a start, it’s shot beautifully. Of course with Roger Deakins behind the camera, that’s no surprise. But gosh - there were certain scenes that were so perfectly framed and wonderfully lit that my heart felt like it might burst.
I went into Empire of Light not knowing much about the story and so I didn’t realise just quite how sombering the film would be. Make no mistake, it looks beautiful and there are moments of humour and camaraderie, however Empire of Light deals with incredibly serious issues and I left the cinema feeling thoughtful as well as slightly sad.
The cast is fantastic and in particular Olivia Colman and Michael Ward were brilliant. Empire of Light is about disconnected people finding a connection and both Colman and Ward were highly empathetic.
At the heart of the film is an underlying love of not only cinema but of the institution itself. The historic building in which our characters work is symbolic of so much and above all becomes the place which provides a kind of sanctuary and a place where magic happens. For as long as I can remember, this is how I have viewed the cinema and in one scene in which a character watches a film and is utterly transformed is exactly how I have so often felt whilst in the darkness of a screening.
Empire of Light is by no means a perfect film. It is at times depressing and some of the themes feel under explored. But it has enough small moments of excellence and is so well shot and performed that I could easily look past its flaws. In time I know will return to it and again be transported to that place and time where cinema brought together two lost souls.
The rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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