I saw an early version performed at the American Film Institute in March of 2013. Specifically, it's an impressive celebration of Thomas Dolby's lifelong relationship with the Orfordness Lighthouse (which was shut down in June 2013). Broadly, it's an exploration of how our memories are formed, and how those memories form us. A little bit of the audio is embedded in the film although most is provided by Dolby himself, playing and narrating live to picture. Blake Leyh joined the fall 2013 tours to provide additional live Foley and guitar as well.
Considering that this project started as notes and footage shot on an iPhone, then finished up with GoPros and Final Cut Pro, it's worth noting that there's not a "home movie" vibe about it at all. It's well made, with no jarring notes to spoil the experience. Live music and narration further elevates the film far beyond "just a movie". A topic that would have been interesting enough as one guy's nostalgia becomes intimate and thought provoking with the filmmaker himself taking us through it.
The film simultaneously feels like taking a walk around Suffolk with a friend who lives there, while causing one to wonder whether if our memories really represent what we think they do. It also inspires appreciation of whatever one takes for granted in life. I've been looking for my "lighthouses" ever since. It's surprising to realize what I assumed would always be there; this movie made me realize that nothing in life is guaranteed.
Being a Dolby fan is definitely not required to enjoy The Invisible Lighthouse, although you might be rethinking that by the time the it's over. Well worth making the effort to see it, if it's screening anywhere in your area.
Considering that this project started as notes and footage shot on an iPhone, then finished up with GoPros and Final Cut Pro, it's worth noting that there's not a "home movie" vibe about it at all. It's well made, with no jarring notes to spoil the experience. Live music and narration further elevates the film far beyond "just a movie". A topic that would have been interesting enough as one guy's nostalgia becomes intimate and thought provoking with the filmmaker himself taking us through it.
The film simultaneously feels like taking a walk around Suffolk with a friend who lives there, while causing one to wonder whether if our memories really represent what we think they do. It also inspires appreciation of whatever one takes for granted in life. I've been looking for my "lighthouses" ever since. It's surprising to realize what I assumed would always be there; this movie made me realize that nothing in life is guaranteed.
Being a Dolby fan is definitely not required to enjoy The Invisible Lighthouse, although you might be rethinking that by the time the it's over. Well worth making the effort to see it, if it's screening anywhere in your area.
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