Empire of Light

Written and directed by Sam Mendes is this film of life amongst a group of cinema workers, set in a 1980’s English sea side town. Olivia Colman is Hilary, assistant manager of the Empire theatre. She seems happy and enjoys the community that the small team gives her. However she also has a history that is initially alluded to but not explained. When cinema manager Donald (Colin Firth) introduces Stephen (Michael Ward),a young black man, to the team he has a big impact on them all and Hilary especially. The film explores themes of 1980’s Britain its music, its attitudes to mental health and race, but also how these broad themes impact the individuals who work at the Empire.

If there is a probem with Empire of Light, it is the unevenness of its narrative. That doesn’t make it a bad film, but probably explains the mixed reviews it has received. It is perhaps beat summed up when projectionist Norman (Toby Jones) describes how film works, images with dark bits between them, but when played at 24 frames per second you don’t see the dark bits. That is what Empire of Light tried to show, that as life hurrys by it works, but when you stop and look at the gaps in between you can see something very different.

The film revolves around Hilary, as her relationship with Stephen develops and impacts her. We see her change as her life descends into the darkest of places. Colman is of course outstanding and I don’t think there is anyone else who plays this type of role better. Toby Jones brings his effortless quality to the screen as does Colin Firth. Michael Ward brings an engaging charm as Stephen showing a caring individual dealing with the ugliness of the racism that surrounds him. It also looks fabulous thanks to Roger Deakins cinematography.

Empire of Light is flawed, with a narrative that is a bit unclear. But I was won over by its beauty, heart and the quality of its performances. None more than that of Olivia Colman who is as wonderfully watchable as ever. Not perfect but touching and warm and there is nothing wrong with that.