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For those of us who love movies, there’s just something about sitting in the dark, watching a magical story unfold on the screen before our eyes. And with Empire of Light, writer/director Sam Mendes sets out to capture that magic while telling the story of a turbulent time for some troubled coworkers.
Empire of Light clocks in at the Empire Cinema—a two-house theater on the English coast, where Hilary (Olivia Colman) sells tickets and serves up concessions and manages the ticket takers. Hilary lives a quiet, lonely, troubled life, never really taking the time to appreciate the magic of the movies they show every day—or the beauty of the scenery around her—until her boss hires Stephen (Micheal Ward). He’s a kind young man with big dreams who teaches Hilary about movies and music—and for the first time in a long time, she begins to enjoy life again.
There certainly is something wonderful about the Empire—in its own shabby way—from its seaside setting to its photo-covered projection room to its abandoned upper levels. It has the personality that today’s theaters just don’t have—the kind that makes seeing a movie there feel like a special event. And it’s hard not to get caught up in the style, the cinematography, and the whole ‘80s atmosphere.
The story, however, goes far beyond the theater itself. It’s about a woman who’s struggling with her mental health and the trauma of her past. It’s about a young man who’s trying to find his way despite challenges and injustices. It’s about their unlikely relationship—and how it changes them both. Unfortunately, though, there’s so much to unpack here—so many different topics and issues and plotlines—that it just gets lost along the way. It feels rambling and long—and just when you think it’s coming to an end, it goes on for another 30 minutes.
There’s definitely a touch of magic here—from the nostalgia of the setting to yet another captivating performance by Olivia Colman. But it simply loses its focus, turning what could have been a beautiful film about human connections and the magic of the movies into a long and jumbled mess.
As a director, Sam Mendes definitely knows how to create the perfect atmosphere for a dramatic tale. But his screenplay for Empire of Light definitely could have used some more polishing to help expand this magical setting into a powerful, memorable drama.
You can find Empire of Light at your local cinema beginning on December 9, 2022.
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