LFF 2022 review: Sam Mendes' movie love story 'Empire of Light'

When a movie has many of Hollywood's most talented people working on every technical element, it's hard not to have high expectations. Empire of Light hailed British filmmaker Sam Mendes as screenwriter and director, beloved cinematographer Roger Deakins as cinematographer, award-winning Lee Smith in the editing and acclaimed composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross on the score, not to mention a cast with some big names - there's an interesting mix of lesser-known actors on the whole. Many of these people are Oscar winners, as well as many other awards. The one unknown variable - Mendes writing his first-ever solo screenplay - turns out to be the only divisive factor…

Empire of Light is one of those films with technical attributes worthy of dozens of nominations, but all this cannot put the two pillars of cinema on the same level: the story and the characters. Truth be told, without these two important "details", it doesn't matter how impressive the film is. Without the emotional investment of viewers, the film will never have a significant impact. Of course, that also doesn't mean that the technical elements are unimportant or not enough to create a must-see movie.

The narrative premise of Empire of Light pays homage to the magic of cinema and the potential that art and its community hold to find light in the midst of darkness. Roger Deakins presents a breathtaking British coast of the 1980s, where the sublime creativity and vision of the cinematographer elevates the whole work. Keeping in mind his last projects before that (including 1917 and Blade Runner 2049), Deakins doesn't seem to have much rest on his shoulders, with quite a few 'opportunities to truly amaze the public with a particular plan. However, when these opportunities arise, the visuals are indeed fascinating and inspiring.

For me personally, the score of Empire of Light is the most memorable technical aspect and the one that comforts the hearts of viewers the most. Reznor and Ross still arrange beautiful melodies with the piano, and unlike Deakins, they have more moments to shine with this film. The music is essential to the magical atmosphere that surrounds the film, whether it's a promenade by the sea, a seat in a theater or even in the screening room itself. Smith's editing also contributes to these sequences, never - quite literally - cutting through the emotional crescendo.

The biggest problem - and only one, honestly - is the script itself. Mendes has a clear idea of ​​what he wants for the main narrative; frankly, the filmmaker manages to execute his plan effectively. Nonetheless, several side storylines with a large amount of thematic weight are barely developed, even used practically as if they were "objects" to provide additional entertainment or conflict. From ongoing racism on the part of white supremacists to mental health, Empire of Light treats these topics far too lightly.

When Sam Mendes focuses on the characters and the relationships between them, as well as their shared motivation to help cinema return to the great moments of yesteryear, Empire of Light becomes gripping and easy to form an emotional bond with. Unfortunately, the aforementioned issues inevitably return to the center of the conversation, but Mendes is unable to explore them, or convey a truly meaningful message, even completely forgetting his own foreshadowing.

I worry about the target audience and their possible indifference to the main topic. Empire of Light is definitely a beautiful ode to the art it represents, but I'm not sure how good it will be for most audiences. For example, there's a sequence in the cinema that personally enchanted me and petrified - and even a little watery - on the big screen. This is partly due to the immense passion I have for the art of filmmaking, but the truth is that most viewers don't care about anything that has to do with the technical aspects of films being screened at home. screen.

I can't end without mentioning the superb performances of the entire cast. Olivia Colman adds her name to the list of Best Actress contenders, once again, with yet another divine performance - more complex than it looks. Hilary suffers from mental health issues, where loneliness, depression, emotional breakdown and "forbidden love affairs" form a bittersweet arc. Michael Ward also...