7 minute read
Film review: The Lighthouse
Leading by example
By Sarah Gill
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The name Greta Thunberg is one known by many. This 16-year-old Swedish activist will be remembered among the greatest names of all time, appearing alongside the likes of Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr. and Gloria Steinem in the history books of the future. Each of these names have fought, or are continuing to fight, in ongoing battles towards the greater good.
Having caught the glimpse of the public eye back in August 2018 through her climate strikes outside the Swedish Parliament, Greta Thunberg has single handedly started a revolution. A year later, Thunberg’s movement has given rise to what is rapidly becoming known as ‘the Greta effect’; inspiring vast amounts of school kids, adults and politicians to take notice and adjust their views on climate change.
She’s known for her straight-talking attitude and unyielding bravery in the face of some of the most powerful members of society - we’ve all seen the Trump / Greta meme by now! Having recently caught up with like-minded actor Leonardo DiCaprio to discuss “commitment to support one another, in hopes of securing a brighter future for our planet”, DiCaprio championed Thunberg as a “leader of our time”, which is an incredibly apt description of this young woman.
In an illustration of her unwavering dedication to the cause, Greta Thunberg recently politely declined
Harvest Moon
By Bridget Mohan
the Nordic Council’s Environmental Prize for 2019, an environmental award to the value of roughly $50,000. Via Sofia and Isabella Axelsson, the activist stated that the movement “does not need any more prizes”, and that “what we need is for our rulers and politicians to listen to the research”. Ever the humanitarian, upon winning the 2019 Right Livelihood Award, Thunberg stated, “It is not me who is the winner. I am part of a global movement of school children, youth and adults of all ages who have decided to act in defence of our living planet.” While we’ve all more than likely heard Fatboy Slim’s remix of Greta’s emblematic UN speech by now, the teen activist’s voice will be gracing our eardrums in a new collaboration with The 1975. Opening the BRIT award-winning band’s forthcoming album Notes on a Conditional Form, this marks the first time The 1975 have teamed up with another person on a track. In Greta’s four-minute monologue, she states that, “We are, right now, in the beginning of a climate and ecological crisis and we need to call it what it is: an emergency.” All proceeds made from this track will go towards Extinction Rebellion.
The voice of a generation and a beacon of hope for our society, Greta Thunberg is a tireless force to be reckoned with. However, one sixteen-year-old girl can’t do this alone. We must all come together to work towards the common goal of a better tomorrow and a brighter future, because - as the protest signs say - ‘there is no planet B’.
It’s Hunting Season
By Anonymous
They say the moon steals the sun’s light, And we know that is a lie. For all her searing energy, Even the sun grows weary. She needs another to take charge And maybe they are miles away but as soon as she lays to rest, Then the moon starts.
His surface is scratched up, Covered in dust and craters and scars, But their darkness he discards, Makes them an honourable badge. His beauty is unmatched.
The days are beginning to lose their length, and her strength is slipping awayWinter is about to arrive. But his presence turns the tide, And she thinks maybe she can survive.
Time has evened out. I stand still and look up to the sky Knowing that winter is nigh. Never so low on hope. Then, just when I think I can’t cope, You appear. To unwrap the black of this autumnal night, You cast everything you touch in warm orange light.
Now I know I’m not Young, But I need it to be sung That I am still in love with you, Because you are my harvest moon.
See hidden in hiding ‘neath these college grounds surrounded by insects among soily sounds bounded by all natures grasp among mounds lies a gift just for you so go gather the hounds!
If you solve for x though its roots may sprawl you’ll equate your treasure may just be C 2 H 5 OH. Go strive Go seek Go find but don’t yield and when the sky falls return to your field.
To unearth the heart of this hunt it is prime to dissect what is written, to riddle this rhyme, to break free from all our doomed paradigm and to take what cannot be taken: time.
“I know nothing with certainty but the sight of the stars makes me dream”
Not far from stubborn Stoney walls The longest reigning king recalls When rain used not destroy his crest And man used not disturb his rest.
Behind his back I hid your heart Then Degged with dew alas did part And ‘neath the starry lamppost night I could not see a star in sight.
In Craven’s keys I place my trust Through pane I watch her grow and rust. Her offspring die upon your bourn So root around till soiled and worn.
Now venture down the rabbit hole, To find your heart and break parole, As I have gone to make my piece, As I have gone to make my peace.
FILM REVIEW: The Lighthouse
By Darragh Nolan
Filmed on location in Nova Scotia, The Lighthouse puts a reluctant working man, played by Robert Pattinson, placed alongside Willem Dafoe’s strict lighthouse keeper. At its heart, the black-and-white piece is a study of the insanity that seeps in when two incompatible people are stuck in each other’s company.
Where it lacks in story, it makes up for in spades with atmosphere. The striking 1.19:1 square ratio in which the movie is shot creates a sense of claustrophobia throughout. The constant ringing of sirens, beating of gull’s wings and whirring of violent storms adds to the tension that sees Thomas Wake (Dafoe) and Ephraim Winslow (Pattinson) drive each other to madness. And The Lighthouse does lack in story. There is little more to it aside from the two characters being stranded on this tiny rock, tending to the titular structure while they creep towards drunken derangement. This is a film focused on themes, on making the viewer share in the bemusement and discomfort felt by the duo on-screen.
If you’re looking for a powerful narrative, you won’t find it here. Instead, it evokes stories like The Lord of the Flies, presenting how power dynamics can shift from the organised to the primal when the shackles of society are absent. Director Robert Eggers explores the lengths to which people will go when their hatred isn’t limited by the laws of man. The tension between Wake and Winslow, the industrious monotony of the work and setting they occupy and the general bleakness that surrounds them is broken by brief moments of comic relief, sea shanties and alcohol-fuelled tirades. But there is no denying that this is an uncomfortable, albeit enjoyable watch. The aspect ratio coupled with the strikingly bright monochromatic filter makes every inch of dirt, every bit of grit and grime, every drop of rain and every gust of wind stand out. Nothing is left to the imagination. The Lighthouse is thoroughly human, unafraid to present the reality of this hellish island experience in all its horror. It is a stunning film, despite it making for somewhat unsettling viewing.
For all the thematic darkness and grotesque circumstances, Dafoe and Pattinson shine. Tasked with carrying the film for its entire 110-minute run-time, they deliver performances that play off each other impeccably. The sound, cinematography and setting all do plenty to establish the discontent Ephraim Winslow harbours for the elderly lighthouse keeper, but it is the acting that brings it from annoyance and bickering to two desperate men who outright despise each other. The Lighthouse is noir, bizarre and worth the price of admission if not for what’s mentioned above, then at least to take in a film that brings something different to the table. You’ll leave a touch perplexed by what you’ve just seen, and feel a little damp, as if you too have been marooned at sea.
EVENTS PLANNER 17-21 FEB//2020
sultnuigalway
SHUFFLE presents
DJ PAUL BELTON 5PM-7PM 17 OPEN MIC 9PM • CORRIB ROOM MONDAY CHELSEA VS MAN UTD 8PM • MAIN BAR
WEDNESDAY
DJ GRAHAM DOHERTY 4PM-7PM
DJ SOC 9PM-11.30PM
ATLANTA VS VALENCIA 8PM • BIG SCREEN
FRIDAY
PRESENTS
1990’S
19
21
TUESDAY
DJ SOC 4PM-7PM
ATLÉTICO VS LIVERPOOL 8PM • BIG SCREEN
THURSDAY
Thursday
SULT STAFF TAKEOVER 4PM-7PM Keys to Adventure with Captain Morgan & The Morganettes 9pm
