Where was The Lighthouse filmed?
2019
City Locations
Nova Scotia (Canada)
Location Types
Unusual
Location Styles
Construction, Dilapidated/Neglected, Colonial
About The Lighthouse
Enter into the world of The Lighthouse, a 2019 masterpiece brought to life by renowned director Robert Eggers. With a compelling cast, including the extraordinary talents of Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson, this film is not to be taken lightly. Set in the distant era of the 19th century, The Lighthouse pulls you into an intriguing tale of two lighthouse keepers trapped on a remote New England outpost, entangled in a web of tension, hallucination, and mounting madness.
Ephraim Winslow (Logan Hawkes), the newly arriving lighthouse keeper, and his austere overseer, Thomas Wake (Willem Dafoe), find themselves isolated and battling storms outside and within. With themes of identity, isolation, and insanity woven into a thrilling narrative, the film dares to plunge deep into the human psyche.
Having premiered at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in May 2019, The Lighthouse was met with an outpouring of critical acclaim – particularly with respect to its awe-inspiring direction, bewitching visual execution, and spellbinding performances by Dafoe and Pattinson. Recognizing its brilliance, The Lighthouse bagged the FIPRESCI Critics Award at Cannes. It was also nominated for Best Cinematography at the 92nd Academy Awards and the 73rd British Academy Film Awards, among countless other accolades.
With its potent exploration of human nature and intense atmospheric storytelling, The Lighthouse is undoubtedly a cinematic marvel. This film stands out as a testament to the creative genius of director Robert Eggers and the acting force of Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson. A successful standout of 2019, The Lighthouse is a brilliant amalgamation of genres morphing into a tale that will leave you breathless.
The Lighthouse Locations
The Lighthouse is sculpted amidst the raw beauty of Cape Forchu, Nova Scotia. This breathtaking peninsula, characterized by a rugged landscape of volcanic rock, served as the foundation for the remote New England island featured in the movie. Rooted in history and bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Forchu provides unparalleled coastal views that demand your attention, with its lighthouse the undeniable centerpiece of the region.
The film's production team brought this vision to life by creating a magnificent 70-foot-tall lighthouse structure. They meticulously constructed the keepers' quarters, a breezeway, and other outbuildings alongside the lighthouse. In addition, certain scenes were filmed at the studio and soundstage in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The atmospheric elements of the film are further enhanced by the region's harsh weather, with relentless rain and potent winds mirroring the tumultuous plotline. Scenes of encrusting sea spray and ice-sheathed scaffolding reflect the raw, chilling authenticity of Cape Forchu's climate, immersing the cast, crew, and viewers within a visceral and captivating narrative.
A journey to Cape Forchu offers more than a behind-the-scenes look into The Lighthouse. With its dramatic cliffs, scenic coastline, and iconic lighthouse piercing the skyline, the region is a paradise for fans of maritime landscapes and cinematic locations alike.
In summary, the production of The Lighthouse beautifully utilized the extraordinary canvas of Cape Forchu, Nova Scotia. A voyage to this region shares an enriched, immersive glimpse into the film's haunting atmosphere and a taste of the scenic, coastal landscapes that form the heart of this chilling cinematic masterpiece.
Ephraim Winslow arrives at the lighthouse scene in The Lighthouse
Cape Forchu Lighthouse, 1856, NS-304, Cape Forchu, NS
In the late 1800s, Ephraim Winslow, a retired timberman (Logan Hawkes), arrives at an isolated island. He is there to serve a four-week contract job as a wickie, working alongside a gassy elderly man named Thomas Wake (William Dafoe).
Like many others in the film, the scene was filmed at the scenic Cape Forchu in Lief Erikson Park, Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia. Due to the lack of a suitable existing lighthouse, the filmmakers had to build a 70-foot lighthouse set on location. This monumental edifice was designed and constructed by Craig Lathrop and his production team, who also built the lighthouse keepers' quarters, the extensive breezeway linking the two structures, and several auxiliary buildings on the peninsula.
Cape Forchu's lighthouse boasts a rich past. Built in 1839, it started operating in 1840. The original lighthouse was replaced in 1962 with a concrete structure fondly called the "apple core." The original fresnel lens used at the lighthouse was relocated to the Yarmouth County Museum in 2000, where it remains on display.
The lighthouse and its surrounding 19 acres are open from May to September. During this time, visitors can explore the heritage light keeper's house, which offers information about the history of the light, the area, and those who served there. Guided tours are also available for those who want a more detailed exploration.
To reach this remarkable location, take Highway 103 out of Halifax and proceed westward via the South Shore. Another option is to journey along the picturesque Route #3, heading south from Halifax following the South Shore route.
"Why'd ya spill yer beans?" scene in The Lighthouse
Halifax, NS
Wake (William Dafoe) accuses Winslow (Logan Hawkes) of "spilling his beans." This accusation pushes the tension between the two men to new heights, leading to a moment where a drunken Winslow violently breaks a mermaid figurine in half. The tension escalates further when Winslow has a horrifying vision of him pulling up a lobster cage from the depths of the sea, only to find it containing the severed head of Wake's previous Wickie. Driven to desperation, Winslow attempts to murder Wake in his sleep in a failed bid to steal the key and escape the island.
This gripping sequence and several other interior scenes were filmed in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on a soundstage. Halifax is a vibrant city teeming with lively neighborhoods, exquisite restaurants serving delicious lobster dishes, and offers a myriad of activities for visitors. You can enjoy day trips to nearby islands and charming small towns or explore the local culture within the city.
One delightful activity is a spirit tasting at the Halifax Citadel. Here, you can learn about the history of alcohol in the British military and its role in rallying the troops.
Numerous routes are available to get to Halifax, but one popular option is via Highway 102 if you're coming from Truro or Highway 103 if you're coming from Bridgewater. Once in the city, Halifax's vibrant culture and historical charm are yours to explore.
Conclusion
The Lighthouse is a film that feels like an intense, nerve-wracking journey into someone else's madness. It's not just a movie about two men teetering on the brink of insanity, but it's crafted in such a way – with its relentless sound design and specific filmmaking choices – that it pushes the audience there, too.
The film's visuals are striking, shot in what can best be described as "gray" rather than black and white. This gives the movie an overcast, gloomy aesthetic that mirrors the mental state of its characters. The locations, primarily the rugged beauty of Cape Forchu, Nova Scotia, and a soundstage in Halifax, contribute to the film's sense of isolation and impending doom.
For those willing to embrace its challenges, this movie offers an unforgettable viewing experience that is as distinctive as it is unsettling. Its limited filming locations do not detract from its appeal but rather add to the film's isolated and claustrophobic atmosphere. Just remember: proceed cautiously, and don't crash on the rocks.