Robert Eggers on The Lighthouse and how he creates memories from a different era

Director Robert Eggers had one of the most-buzzed-about films at TIFF with The Lighthouse, the follow-up to his critically acclaimed debut The Witch.
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[@RADFLIKINCRRQT13]

Eggers really caught my eye with The VVITCH and trampled over The Sophomore slump with The Lighthouse. He is a POWERHOUSE filmmaker and please someone Let this man make his freaking Nasferatu film!!

[@Carboxylated]

Nicholas R. They are quite possibly filming or getting ready too already.

[@RADFLIKINCRRQT13]

@@Carboxylated nah i heard and IMDB says that Eggers next project is "Northmen". It's got It's cast already

[@richardsantanna5398]

It wouldn't be hard to make a better one than the terrible Herzog version.

[@redheron4321]

Also heard he tried to make a movie about Rasputin. That would've rad!

[@tonywords6713]

And then Del Toros frankenstein and at the mountains of madness

[@mr.bloodvessel260]

You get the feeling that each of his future films will be an event....

[@AJ88874]

Mr. Bloodvessel not always the case..but I do hope so

[@cedenoanthony45]

He’s incredible

[@diltonx6066]

there were only like 2-4 people in the movie theatre when I saw it, but it was amazing nonetheless.

[@stigbeve]

Just read about The Northman today. Can’t wait.

[@YomsterFUT13]

SAW THE NORTHMAN TODAY AND THIS IS STILL THE CASE

[@laughingBun]

I like Eggers, You get the sense he actually thinks before he opens his mouth

[@krishnaisgod1439]

laughingBun I get the sense he’s just now learning how to handle interviews. Can’t wait to see The Lighthouse though. One of the best visionaries in modern film.

[@lukisnootis5708]

there's definitely some gears working up there

[@wt1573]

He really does seem like a very thoughtful and humble person. Obviously that wouldn't change my opinion of his work but it's sort of nice to know. Really excited to see what he brings us in the future.

[@theresamaninthewoods9639]

W T Would like to hear your opinion on ‘em

[@theresamaninthewoods9639]

My guy stutters every second. He needs to learn to keep it together, though I appreciate his humbleness

[@leannea.8281]

Best film I’ve seen this year.

[@the.seagull.35]

Easily

[@bartholomewesperanza3442]

john david go watch the avengers, that kind of mindless, talentless drivel is probably right up your alley

[@AlexWeberg]

Leanne this and Joker are my two favorites this year.

[@Always-ve9vq]

I’m still comprehending it. It’s undoubtedly well made, but I’m still deciding whether or not it clicked with me. Whether I personally liked it. It’s certainly not for everyone. I think I still greatly prefer Parasite at this point, although my opinion may change.

[@troyjarvis6449]

Overhyped watched it today boring script written on a beer mat

[@discustingdude123]

I’ve never been so sucked in by a film before. 10/10 everyone needs to see it.

[@cengizeren366]

Incredible movie, I was shaking when the mermaid screamed eerily, her voice echoing alongside the foghorn, driving Pattison mad....several very powerful moments like that..... and what a monologue by Dafoe! Absolute masterpiece!!

[@maureenwagg5305]

The rant was totally epic and then Pattison just looks at him and says "Fine. I like your food." I died laughing.

[@angelvarela9830]

You ruined the movie for me

[@spinakker14]

21:35 'do those ancient myths, like witches and mermaids have the same power like they used to?' 'they do over me' I can't express how much I understand this. I'm a secular, nihilistic numbers guys, just like what he described, yet I gravitate towards these myths and tales, that are becoming extinct or worse commercialised. I'm so glad that someone still makes movies about these, and I'm even happier that Eggers is so damn good at it. I wish he makes many more great films

[@sabrinakrisb4672]

Totally agree with you. I think he really understands as an artist how those myths, even if not scientifically provable in whatever way, still have an effect on guiding and influencing human experience. Really interesting approach to horror!

[@organicmilk5]

Thank you and I 100% agree, it's so refreshing to see that there are filmmakers out there still being inspired by tall tales.

[@theseabast6515]

Same, a lot of old mythological stories, modern religions included, have so much interesting depth to them that's glossed over too often.

[@lawdogattorneyatlaw4886]

spinakker are you intelligent, nihilistic, and with a wicked sense of humor?

[@croisaor2308]

These myths are very old and stem from real and universal experiences that inspire such creatures to explain things that could not be understood at the time. Magic was the absence of science but it doesn’t make it any less real. We are imaginative creatures and even if we have more concrete answers to a lot of the world that imagination still exists in us which is why these stories still appeal to us.

[@michaelforthriller]

Eggers is now among my favourite directors. i really do hope he continues to bring us such thought provoking films. both the witch and the lighthouse are movies that you cant stop thinking about after you see them.

[@mrsirman2177]

Same

[@sabrinakrisb4672]

Wow, I already had huge respect for Robert Eggers but this interview definitely solidified that he's one of the best directors of this era. His approach to myth discussed near the end is great, a true artistic understanding of the chaos and spirit of human experience. I feel very lucky to be alive at this time and witness his work.

[@cascojeronimo]

Watching The Lighthouse is like reading a book written by Poe, Shakespeare, Hemingway and Lovecraft at the same time. It's like an eternal nightmare, like the worst of your dreams all together in a tale. Picture this movie in your head in color and with the normal radio (16:9). The risk they take worth every second of this masterpiece. Best movie of 2019 and in my personal top five of the decade and in my personal top ten of all time.

[@dtanobo]

When I left the cinema, it was my favourite movie of the year. Now that I've thought about it more, it's one of my all time favorites

[@zacharybrown2413]

I would love to play dungeons and dragons with this dude as my DM

[@robinness6321]

Robert Eggers is so, so good

[@spinakker14]

He is! But good is an understatement, he is even something else

[@alexandersaunders3388]

"I'm from Newfoundland" -Tom Power, in every single interview he has ever conducted, ever.

[@MankindFilm]

I'll be showing up to Eggers films day one for everything he does from here on out. His vision breathes uninhibited creativity. His films are so authentic I love the immersion. Very inspiring for anything I work on film wise.

[@acadia5898]

great interview from a guy who said he didn't really know much about filmmaking

[@Vsprivate]

He is a legend, the Northman is a masterpiece 10/10! This guy knows how to make a powerfull movie!

[@dani.phantm]

Rob and Willem passed their vibe checks

[@maninthebox420m]

Someone give this man money for Nosferatu!

[@AmazingJoe96]

agreed, his next film is going to be the northman though

[@DuncanUdaho67]

He said he doesn’t wanna do it yet.

[@friendlypup5650]

dallashood67 I hope it’s a “yet” and not an “anymore”

[@DuncanUdaho67]

Furry Jellyfish no it’s a passion project. He just says he wants more experience before tackling a special project like that. I bet he’ll do it after The Northman.

[@friendlypup5650]

dallashood67 that’s the signs of a great director. After the lighthouse, I have faith he can do it. Maybe he wants a bigger budget tho

[@snocoldman]

BIG props to the interviewer. I've watched a lot of Robert's interviews and talks and it feels like this interviewer did a great job at creating a naturalistic setting that Robert seemed to excel in. Kudos!

[@jeremywiley950]

Eggers is a creative genius

[@NASkeywest]

My favorite next generation writer/director.

[@jayv8068]

hes 40 :/

[@alexdelarge195]

@@jayv8068 he's not

[@TetraVaalBioSecurity]

First time I've come across this channel. What an incredible interview. Excellent questions being asked--and listening to Robert Eggers speak, is incredibly refreshing and contrasting from the typical collective set of Hollywood filmmakers and actors that you normally hear from. He seems very cultured, philosophical, and just all around well-educated. Seriously can't wait to see where his filmmaking career goes.

[@CapraDemon101]

Fascinating individual. Love his mind.

[@andrearothkimmich3128]

nice shout out to the grips! amazing cinematography! B&W perhaps the critical choice... as much as Defoe and Pattinson. love too that Eggers chose to use some of Sarah OrneJewett's text, the architecture of a New England Lighthouse (vs Canadian); love the wardrobe choices...the sweaters! the film comes together from every angle, as much at least, as the keepers come apart/undone.. amazing..

[@GatewayImage]

best lighthouse interview

[@spinakker14]

Could you recommend me other good interviews? I'm on a binge and I don't want to miss anything

[@GatewayImage]

@@spinakker14 the rotten tomatoes one is pretty good

[@spinakker14]

@@GatewayImage thanks, I've seen that too :)

[@JimmyBacon05]

Check out the A24 podcast episode with him and Ari Aster. Great conversation overall and you get a lot of insight on both of their respective creative processes.

[@deanerhockings-reptilianhu8701]

Alright. Robert Eggers is a genius. Holy God! I love his work and I love his approach.

[@jimmerhardy]

When the aspect ratio appears, it's shocking at first, then the claustrophobia sets in and makes perfect sense. That alone is uber gutsy. DaFoe's third act, minutes long monologue contains no punctuation and is crazy good.

[@cedenoanthony45]

He’s an incredible director, the dude deserves the credit. Can’t wait for his next film whatever it may be

[@sconethrowerproductions]

Robert Eggers is our Stanley Kubrick. He is an artist to the core and we should be paying close attention.

[@southernstacker7315]

I'm really digging Eggers work to date. Cant wait to see more.

[@jasonfuqua4284]

Wow... that was a wonderful, intelligent conversation. Nice to see.

[@flowerbomb333]

Very much looking for his Norsemen ! What a Brilliant Director..

[@albertomartin4812]

Above everything I find his films elegant, if that makes sense. Amazing style, a pleasure to watch.

[@dave5605]

What a fantastic interview. So interesting. Really refreshing to see.

[@moviemaniac1838]

13:16 VIBE CHECK!

[@danutd94]

This guy just knows how to do “that thing” to utter perfection. It’s difficult to even explain what it is, but he can just do it so stunningly. I suppose it’s making a scene feel as visceral and real as it’s possible to do. The ultimate example of nailing the subtleties so well that the overall, obvious impact is huge without a blatant “technique” or cheap gimmick to point to

[@VoiceNerd]

This was too short. So much fun to listen to Eggers as well as the interviewer, never felt bored or scripted. Great questions. Well done!

[@anacarlotana]

Enjoyed very much the film. Exquisite and very enlighting.

[@enzoduhau5744]

the interviewer did a great job!

[@scottw9749]

Two smart, talented and handsome men. What a treat.

[@krismatt2355]

He has directe TWO movies and is already regarded in such HIGH ESTEEM. Two movies without compromise. Hmmm kid is goin' places;)

[@riffraffrichard]

At 20:15 I totally agree with what he is saying the modern world is bereft of stories that help us to think philosophically about things outside our grasp. The normal narrative is to take a reductive materialistic outlook which is one perspective but negates the multitude of possibilities that the unknown holds. The place of the masterful storyteller is not to force their opinion on the listener but allow people to play with different perspectives and make new associations.

[@elfsieben1450]

You do like evocative narration and food for fresh associations? - Check out the following films then: "2001: A Space Odyssey", "Ad Astra", "Adaptation", "Brazil", "The Cabinet of Doctor Parnassus", "C'est arrivé près de chez vous", "Cloud Atlas", "Crash" (the 2004 film), "Dark City", "Dark Days", "Drei", "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind", "eXistenZ", "F32.2", "The Fall", "The Fisher King", "Ghost World", "Harold & Maude", "Johnny Got His Gun", "The Lighthouse", "Living in Oblivion", "Loving Vincent", "Men & Chicken", "mother!", "Mulholland Drive", "Muxmäuschenstill", "Naked Lunch", "Nightcrawler", "Paprika", "Parasite", "Pi", "Rashomon", "A Scanner Darkly", "The Science of Sleep", "Sixth Sense", "Slacker", "Solaris" (the 1972 film), "Stalker", "Stoker", "Stranger Than Fiction", "Syriana", "System Crasher", "Tideland", "Tolkien", "Transit" (the 2018 film), "The Tree of Life", "Twelve Angry Men", "Wild at Heart", "Valhalla Rising", "Videodrome", "The VVitch", "Zardoz".

[@riffraffrichard]

@@elfsieben1450 thanks some excellent films on that list, that are definitely philosophical and Im going to check the rest out.

[@NicholasSantangeloDrummer]

So Robert Eggers isn't about "Nihilism", makes films with archetypal themes, and loves to discuss the Jung collective unconscious... where has this man been? He is honestly my favorite artist at the moment.

[@MrAndrewjustdoit]

Great interview

[@christopherezzo1023]

Brilliant, I just loved it.

[@johnsailorsgoat]

This is a talent to watch!

[@ex_nihilo6787]

This dude is a really good interviewer

[@burpie3258]

I agree.

[@Lavenderlilac]

He name dropped Jennifer’s Body and I appreciate that...

[@nomeacaso5790]

Genius of our time

[@maureenwagg5305]

Best film of the year. Best acting I've seen in a long while.

[@burpie3258]

Great interview.

[@MisterRlGHT]

How interesting to hear Mr Eggers wax poetic about Max Schreck's performance in Nosferatu, knowing Willem Dafoe portrayed Mr Schreck in the imaginary making-of-Nosferatu film Shadow of the Vampire -- reckon they discussed that while making The Lighthouse? (Hell yeah they surely must have....)

[@casey5837]

This dudes films are so fuxked up and I love them

[@michaeljung1502]

great interviewer

[@bryceonice5198]

Willem Dafoe played count Orlock and he also narrated a pbs American Experience about Melville and the Essex. This is all starting to make sense now.

[@aquaticlibrary]

8:50 Robert Eggers has a pretty intense stuttering problem but he does a good job working through it.

[@kota86]

I was wondering if I was the only one that noticed, haha. But yes, he pushes through it well.

[@anniemeek2578]

So What

[@scottw9749]

Robert Eggers eyes are intensely beautiful.

[@bantamaustralorp7347]

I want Robert Eggers to direct a film adaptation of 'The Rats in the Walls.' UUUUGH, I can see it in my mind, and it's wonderful

[@trtbelfort650]

Here after the Northman, all 3 of Egger's films are fantastic.

[@alr12]

wow, really cool answer about the myths, wasn't expecting that. Maybe the turning point is coming up.

[@Farmer_Maggot]

Eggers is very likely the next Kubrick or Bergman

[@Ken_tg]

@I want You to know Still, no need to be pessimistic, me might turn out to be really good, he's still young

[@bitchimsexyy6665]

My opinion, I’m writing my own script and maybe I’ll be making my own film, with an iPhone I don’t have a camera, I love his films, feels like he understands what Vision is, like I see an image and dialogue, then I try to recreate that vivid image on a here, the physical realm. It’s hard man I’m telling y’all, it’s pretty hard to see something and then trying to make it happen, I’m sure everyone has experience this, and his films are just like that, the shots he took, are some of the most amazing shots I’ve seen ever, and the way that he makes the characters look , like if it’s 1930 is honestly amazing, I love it- the script is insane, many are saying parasite is the best movie this year and I have to be honest( parasite is great) but “the lighthouse” man his vision idk to me that’s more important, is like opening a book and reading it, but this book is opening it self

[@brandadse.1741]

Fav movie of the year. Dressing up as them for Halloween. 🧜🏻‍♂️🐚🍻🐙

[@MijailCioran]

Que lindo tipo.

[@mjaada]

Hes got Bling

[@buckwild9168]

Well this interview clarified the line "two rabbits running in the ditch." In a Donovan song for me.

[@boxking2832]

Does anybody else think he looks like Adam Scott a little? Im really looking forward to this movie.

[@soupcansoup]

kinda sounds like him too

[@mattlawson714]

If Robert Pattinson keeps making smart casting choices and delivering performances like this, I expect to see great things from him. I'm not worried about him playing Batman at all, he's got the acting chops and while he's still thin, his physique in this shows potential. Can't believe I used to hate on the man for "Twilight". He's a great actor. A little fuzzy on the accents at times but still great.

[@GigaChadh976]

Nah bro, robs in pretty good shape. He’s trolling

[@Poopchute]

I think this interview only confirms my theory that directors are just masochists using their profession to make the masochism seem sane. Brilliant work by all who contributed to this film. The Oscars should be ashamed!

[@Petergonzalezcomedy]

if you're an artist and don't like to torture yourself idk wtf you're in it for

[@jayv8068]

nah, they just want to create their vision and get the job done

[@DodZz666]

the lighthouse is the best of 2019

[@GigaChadh976]

I’m diggin his cut. Anyone know what it’s called. Thinking of getting it myself

[@laxdefense2826]

this man is our generations Kubrick.

[@judybarcenas530]

I love this movie, William Dafoe is amazing.

[@sebastianalegria3401]

Watching The lighthouse movie let me know what a talented actor Robert Pattinson is . On the other hand, I always knew that Robert was going to make history with his Batman's character, so he made it. So, thank you Robert for casting Pattinson in order to play the starring role.

[@foxyp00]

I cannot wait for The Northman. Can't. Wait.

[@TheKingpinChemist]

those PF Flyers though

[@smallmanbigmouth2699]

I’m a New Englander, born and bred. He’s right-we ain’t a friendly bunch.

[@Dipatrizio]

yer fond of me lobster aint ya?

[@BrutalistJr]

what is that sound at 22:32 ?

[@feelnv]

Does anyone know what watch he’s wearing?

[@sydberetta4649]

Lol it true, as a former Mainer of my first 21 years, New Englanders are in fact not friendly

[@Indienads]

I concur. I grew up in Saint John, NB and we traveled to Maine often. I was surprised about New England. It felt the same, yet totally different.

[@TheGabrielberki]

The light is mine.

[@heyangel8262]

nothing to do with anything but he's so fine omg

[@rsfilmdiscussionchannel4168]

He's Stephen Amell's identical twin.

[@danielnicoletti4408]

Anyone knows the name of the watch he's wearing?

[@troyjarvis6449]

That's a pounder watch from poundland

[@krusher181]

Anyone know what shoes he's wearing?

[@2791dles]

They look like very much like PF Flyer Centre Hi

[@o.r.grinter7763]

Need a Robert Eggers science fiction

[@GreenFalcon926]

Anyone else think he really looks like Kev from Shameless?

[@TheRocking321]

Damn this guy just brings up Jung like it's nothing. What a chad

[@alexanderfranzen3453]

Does Mr. Eggers have a stutter? His speech delivery is soo normal but if you listen for it its there. i'm just wondering.

[@albertoleyvaruiz3302]

Anyone know what sneakers he's wearing? I need to know

[@briantoal1880]

reminds me of Billy Corgan on so many levels.. physically, as well as his intelligence, delivery, and mannerisms

[@michaelcanada6583]

The Witch was good but The Lighthouse is a classic

[@shelbycarow7707]

Please make nosferatu!!

[@el_chief_dannyboy]

Robert Eggers needs to finish up Nosferatu!

[@fabriziofederico9487]

Kazama's - Jennifers Body

[@temporarymomentary]

It's true that New Englanders aren't friendly?

[@revival2817]

100%

[@popegeorgelucasii933]

3:38 lol

[@fabriziofederico9487]

Jung's collective unconscious