Empire Of Light

Welcome to Breakout, the MASSIVE scheme sending 12 first-time writers to London Film Festival to write their debut professional film reviews. For the 12 days following the 12 days of the festival, we’ll be publishing the writing of our chosen stars to celebrate cinema at its finest and introduce you to the next generation’s most promising new critics.

Next up, London’s Kimon Fatseas reviews Empire Of Light.

Sam Mendes is back on the big screen with a love letter to cinema – not just the art form, but the place itself. Empire of Light takes us back to 1980s Britain and into the world of the Empire Cinema. The cinema feels like a magical world outside of our own, its warmth and splendid golden décor contrasting the gloominess of the exterior – with a totally abandoned and derelict top floor theatre with a strange, almost mystical aura that becomes a hidden meeting spot for cinema employee Hilary Small (Olivia Colman) and new staff member Stephen (Micheal Ward).

Cinematographer Roger Deakins returns to work with Mendes after the success of their WWI blockbuster 1917. Deakins’ signature wide shots are back in action, but where in 1917 it was browns and greys, here the colours are a warm, vibrant collage of gold and red splendour. The scale of the Empire is something to fall in love with, and somewhere to go and spend the whole day inside.

However, the screenplay leaves much to be desired. Stephen is quite one-dimensional, and it’s never made clear what exactly motivates him to help Hillary so eagerly. The two both share grief, but Stephen is far too willing to jump hurdles for someone he’s only just met. The film also tries, and fails, to tackle far too many political issues without offering meaningful commentary – Hillary’s mental illness, the rise of the National Front in England, the effects of patriarchy in the workplace, and racial violence.

The depiction of these issues – particularly in their historical context – is decorative, because Mendes has no commentary to offer. The film often fails at justifying its own existence – it’s unfortunate, then, that the meticulously reconstruction of the Empire is showcased within the bindings of a screenplay that is clunky, cliché and haphazardly put together.

Kimon Fatseas is a first-time critic, editor, and aspiring documentary maker. They are a soon-to-be graduate in Practical Filmmaking from Met Film School and lover of cinema. Kimon’s favourite film is The Gleaners and I, and they are a dedicated socialist.

Empire Of Light will be released in UK cinemas on 13 January 2023. Check back here for more Breakout reviews.