Empire of Light

     The new drama from writer/director Sam Mendes contains lots of ideas that while worthwhile, don't really work well enough to satisfy the story, leaving it rather bland.  What the film does contain though, is another outstanding performance from Olivia Coleman.

      Racism, sexual politics and harassment, mental illness, the power of movies, all play a part in this story of a lonely movie theater manager. 

      It's the 1980's and The Empire, once a regal crown of movie theaters with 4 screens is on the decay, holding on with just 2 screens and a small staff. Ms. Coleman plays Hillary, the house manager and Colin Firth plays Mr. Ellis the general manger. Ms. Coleman is brilliant as expected and Mr. Firth is surprising, playing quite a cad. Hillary goes about her daily routine added by medication until one day, a new usher, named Steven starts working at the theater.

       Steven is black and much younger than Hillary, yet a connection stirs within them, and they become romantically involved. Steven is played by a charming actor named Micheal Ward. The film also co-stars Toby Jones as Norman the projectionist and Tom Brooke as Neil, one of the other ushers.

       Race riots throughout England at the time, make an interracial relationship dangerous and working together doesn't make things easy as well so Hillary and Micheal do their best to keep their romance a secret.  It's the human touch that binds the story. The connections that make us whole that can have disastrous results when severed.

       While the story may not be as cohesive as Mr. Mendes intended, his direction is masterful and even The Empire itself, becomes a well-directed character. The theater is beautiful and Mr. Mendes explores every nook and cranny of the building with gorgeous cinematography. Buried in the human story at its core, Mr. Mendes also plays tribute to the power and beauty of cinema. The film "ends" multiple times and it could have been better served if Mr. Mendes reedited the final shot to be one seen earlier.

       This is a small intimate film that probably won't last long at the box office but if you're an Olivia Coleman fan, it's a must as she will most like garner another Academy Award nomination.