Drama Clubbed Together: A poignant exploration of the strength of human bonds amidst tumultuous circumstances in Empire of Light.
In the heart of an English seaside town, Sam Mendes' latest film, "Empire of Light," pays homage to the power of cinema as a sanctuary and a place where people can find solace, community, and healing. The movie, set in the 1980s, was inspired by the turbulent times of the pandemic era, as it delves into themes of human connection, isolation, and the importance of compassion and empathy.
Mendes, along with producer Pippa Harris, who he co-founded Neal Street Production with, worked together on this project. Harris found the story and context particularly moving, and the production was rewritten to match the location of Margate, a town on the northern shore of Kent, which Mendes chose for its visual landscape and historical significance.
The film's protagonist, Hilary, played by Olivia Colman, is a cinema manager grappling with her mental health, while Stephen, played by Micheal Ward, is a new employee seeking escape from the provincial town. The characters form an unlikely relationship in the faded old cinema, which serves as the film's central setting.
Mendes wrote the character of Hilary specifically for Colman, impressed by her performance in "The Crown." Colman found it surreal that Mendes wrote a part for her and was struck by his gentle and kind nature. Ward collaborated with Mendes on the character of Stephen, as Mendes recognized his lack of personal experience as a Black man in that time period.
The film's soundtrack is filled with songs from Mendes' life and is a key part of the movie. Roger Deakins, the cinematographer, collaborated with Mendes on the film, marking their fifth project together. Deakins described his process as being very collaborative and not focusing on cinematography until speaking with the director.
"Empire of Light" is more than just a tribute to cinema; it's a reflection of Mendes' teenage years, which he considers the most formative period of his life, during which he was influenced by music, movies, and pop culture of the late 1970s and early 1980s. The movie contains echoes of current racial and political issues, as well as concerns about the survival of cinema, making it particularly relevant today.
The production process was not without its challenges, as the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the creation and themes of the film. The pandemic shaped its focus on human connection during turbulent and isolating times, resonating deeply during the pandemic era. The themes of isolation, vulnerability, and the importance of compassion and connection were influenced by the global experience of the COVID-19 crisis, making the story particularly poignant and relevant.
Toby Jones plays the role of Norman, the projectionist, in the film, a character that is a friend of Mendes and Harris since childhood. The movie was produced on location in Margate, a town where J. M. W. Turner painted many of his famous paintings and T. S. Elliot wrote "The Waste Land."
In conclusion, "Empire of Light" is a poignant exploration of the power of human connection and the magic of cinema amidst challenging circumstances. It serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of kindness, compassion, and empathy in times of hardship.
- Sam Mendes, in collaboration with co-producer Pippa Harris, used the power of cinema in their film "Empire of Light" to showcase its role as a sanctuary for personal growth and healing, set in the backdrop of education and self-development, politics, and general news during the challenging times of the 1980s and the contemporary pandemic era.
- "Empire of Light" is a reflection of Mendes' life and the impact of movies, music, and pop culture on his personal growth during his teenage years, tying in themes of human connection, isolation, and the importance of compassion and empathy, which resonate with the current issues of policy and legislation and entertainment.
- The movie's cast, including Olivia Colman, Micheal Ward, and Toby Jones, collaborated closely with Mendes to bring life to their characters, with Colman taking on a role specifically written for her and Ward's character being crafted with attention to his personal experiences and the current racial landscape.
- The film's soundtrack, featuring Mendes' personal favorites, and the creative process behind it, involving cinematographer Roger Deakins, serve as key elements in the movie's exploration of the role of entertainment in personal growth and the echoes of politics, learning, and the general news it contains.
