The Lightship

This is by far the worst film I have seen in my entire life. The acting is poor and the storyline is almost incomprehensible. Whether or not you like lightships or any ships for that matter is irrelevant. As for special effects the film has none. The whole film crew were probably on the boat out in rough seas rather than in a studio and when some of the men are "stabbed" (if you can even call it that) their reactions are totally unreal. The guns are more quiet than a mute. How this film could have one two awards puts serious questions to the state of the human mind. Well thats about it. This review is probably more fun to read than the film is to watch. If anyone is considering watching it or buying it I would seriously advise you against it for obvious reasons. I have said that it includes a spoiler. If the fact that some people get stabbed and a gun gets fired is a plot giveaway. I suppose it is because they are the only good parts of the film.

I want to address the only comment I found on this film first. The reviewer mentions Duvall's bad performance. Well, I think he did watch the film a long ago, and does not recall well. Robert Duvall's character and performance is worth the effort of seeing the film if you ask me. By far the strongest point to make one watch it! Albeit the story line is a bit scarce and linear and stock, the character build is worth any excellent stage play. It was conceived as a stage play, so it is not so appealing to movie watchers. The diabolic, malicious calm and easy Duvall displays is the key impetus for developing all the other characters by way of their reacting to his unnerving energy. In conclusion (my battery is running out), please make this film have more echo then it does, and some worthy critic extend the wikipedia article on it please!

I bought this movie on video from a charity shop (PDSA)...well that was MY excuse. I expected better from Robert Duvall who was incomprehensible for much of this film's 84 minutes. He wasn't alone...the plot, such as it was, was also incomprehensible...I've watched the damn thing twice now and I still can't make out what nor why. There's far too much chat and not nearly enough action. It takes some dragging out to 84mins so that explains the funereal pacing. There doesn't seem, least not to me, to be any good reason for setting this film on board a lightship. Did the makers think that the novel setting and its exclusivity would make this malarkey stand out from the crowd?? The lightship outshines the cast...but it takes more than a rotting hulk of a boat to save this incomprehensible clunker. I wouldn't be unhappy if the player chews up this particular video!

There isn't much new in this gangsters-take-ship-and-crew-hostage drama, except that it takes place on a floating Light Ship. Having endured 14 months of duty on one of these floating torture chambers myself, I can tell you that nothing this exciting ever took place. All we ever did was bounce up and down and listen to a fog-horn, day and night. Too bad Duvall wasn't out there then, we could have keel-hauled him for making this very inaccurate flick!

If you are tempted for any reason to rent this in, do not give in, as you will not be rewarded. Duvall is interesting, as always, thought I wouldn't say GREAT. Brandaur is... HOT (to my way of looking), and fine, but big deal. The kid playing his son looks like a rejected member of A-Ha and acts about as well. This is a thriller that is not remotely thrilling, and is very slow and wooden. It seems like there were a lot of ideas and subtext in the novel that they just didn't manage to get across in the film, so you're left with a curiously unemotional experience. There were precious few moments that made much of an impression at all. I only watched this because I bought the video cheap and I'm into lighthouses and lightstations. If you are... still, trust me, avoid this. Had potential, but... there are lots of other videos out there. --- Check out website devoted to bad and cheesy movies: www.cinemademerde.com

There is no art devised by man that does not include sexuality of some sort. The Lighthouse is no exception to this rule. Brandauer sees nothing wrong in stirring bad-guy Duvall's bathwater. Neither does his son seem to mind Arliss Howard's kiss. The claustrophobic atmosphere of this ship is dense with sexuality. It has other qualities as well. That is of course obvious.To my mind it is an excellent thriller. I have always been keen on sea faring vessels. This film is not perfect. But it surprises me each time I watch it. Not maybe the best but surely not the worst. Try watching it with an open mind. It seems to have this not so rare hate or love quality. That is definitely it's forte.

this a very odd film indeed, odd in a positive sense, its like others posters have commented , a struggle between archetypes of good and evil. i love the fact that it takes place in a limited space and time, allowing an intense scenario for this characters to clash against each other no holds barred. the only real elements that trouble this elementary piece of cinema is the off narration and the acting from the young guy, who is Skowlimowski's son in real life. still a great movie ; Duvall against Brandauer, in a ship that doesn't go anywhere, what more do you want. catch this. Its a lovingly crafted exercise in film-making , with beautiful photography, odd locations, superb acting , and a great screenplay.