This thread here is for fans of the great director David Lynch - most famous for his movies [i]Blue Velvet[/i] and the revolutionary television series [i]Twin Peaks[/i]. Many of Lynch's films are open to interpretation, and often provoke discussion as to what they really mean. Let's have a look at his career.
[b]1977: Eraserhead[/b]
[img]http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/HPO/10745~Eraserhead-Posters.jpg[/img]
Eraserhead is David Lynch's first film. He spent five years making this flick, and during the whole time lead actor [b]Jack Nance[/b] wore his hair as above. It is a bizarre, unsettling, surrealist black and white film often regarded as one of the finest horror films of all time, even though it is not strictly a [i]horror[/i] film.
[b]1980: The Elephant Man[/b]
[img]http://ajollyaffair.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/elephant_man.jpg[/img]
Stylistically, David Lynch's first hit [i]The Elephant Man[/i] is identical to [i]Eraserhead[/i]. Grainy, black and white footage with intensely depressing scenarios and settings make the movie a depressing, sad, but ultimately redemptive movie which makes most people cry by the end of it. A departure from his surrealist leanings, it is regarded as one of Lynch's finest nonetheless.
[b]1984: Dune[/b]
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[i]Dune[/i] is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Frank Herbert; a six hundred page science fiction epic about a universe in which faster than light travel is possible by means of a spice found on the planet Dune. It is regarded as one of Lynch's failures, being a box office flop and a critical punching bag. Lynch dishones this movie and even walks out of interviews if it is mentioned. This would, however, be the first of his movies to incorporate two of his trademarks: [i]Kyle McLachlan[/i], who takes the lead role, would appear in several more of Lynch's movies; and the cameo appearance of a popular singer, which Lynch would repeat in almost all of his future movies. Overall this movie is not very Lynch-like, but it did teach him what he can and can't do, and what he's good at.
[i]Singer cameo: Sting.[/i]
[b]1986: Blue Velvet[/b]
[img]http://www.geraldpeary.com/reviews/abc/blue-velvet.jpg[/img]
[i]Blue Velvet[/i] sees a return to Lynch's weird ways in the critically acclaimed flick. Famous for bringing us a controversial rape scene and one of screen's most beloved criminals, [i]Frank Booth[/i]
[img]http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bkFIPLIOGL8/SLbc0zb6-pI/AAAAAAAART8/KTTFg0bywrs/s320/Frank+Booth.jpg[/img]
The film is presented in a dreamy, slow, Americana style. A peaceful little town with neighbours who talk to each other and everyone knows each other...with a dark secret. This would be a theme which Lynch would explore with more obscure methods later in his career. The movie also sees [i]Eraserhead[/i] actor [i]Jack Nance[/i] in a small role (another recurring Lynch motif).
[b]1990: Wild At Heart[/b]
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Lynch's next movie is the quirky [i]Wild At Heart[/i]. This stars [i]Nicholas Cage[/i] and [i]Laura Dern,[/i] the latter of whom also stars in Blue Velvet. Lynch sure knows who he likes. This is a sort of silly film, bizarre in its hyperbolic characterisation but with a remarkably 'normal' story. Most people say it seems to be more like a [i]Coen Brothers[/i] flick. Most people just find Nicholas Cage annoying. It's an average film, not to be taken too seriously.
[b]1990: Twin Peaks[/b]
[img]http://headbangersblog.mtv.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/twin-peaks.jpg[/img]
[i]Twin Peaks[/i] was the TV series that made Lynch a household name. [i]Kyle McLachlan[/i] returns as agent Dale Cooper investigating the murder of homecoming queen Laura Palmer. The first series, of seven episodes, was highly successful. The second series, which was about three times as long, was slated and even withdrawn from broadcasting. If it weren't for this series, there would be no [i]Lost[/i] or [i]Dexter[/i] or any modern TV shows; this one broke the mould. Also stars Lynch regulars [i]Jack Nance[/i] and [i]Grace Zabriskie[/i]. The series is peppered with bizarre, surreal dreamlike sequences set in what is known to fans as [i]The Red Room[/i]
[img]http://www.thebostonbachelor.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/twin-peaks-red-room.jpg[/img]
It's bizarre and I've just started watching it; highly recommended.
[b]1992: Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me[/b]
[img]http://natsukashi.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/twin_peaksfirewalk.jpg[/img]
This movie serves as a prequel to the television series, but also gives away the story for the entire series! Don't watch it before you see the series ;)
It is also considered the first genuinely surreal of Lynch's works; a transition many fans found hard to swallow.
[i]Singer cameo: David Bowie[/i]
[b]1997: Lost Highway[/b]
[img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1a/Lost-Higway-01.jpg[/img]
[i]Lost Highway[/i] is often called 'modern film noir' with surreal overtones. A bizarre story about a jazz saxophonist apparently framed for murdering his wife, as he is sent to death row he inexplicably changes into a young mechanic. A dark, nightmarish tale, this is truly the stuff of dreams. People cease to be where they were, rooms change into different places, and there is a general disregard for time-space, as characters seem to defy these laws, appearing in two places at once and coming back to life...one of the finest of Lynch's films.
[i]Singer cameo: Marilyn Manson, Henry Rollins[/i]
[b]1999: The Straight Story[/b]
[img]http://www.elite-view.com/art/Movie_Poster/Dramas/204922~The-Straight-Story-Posters.jpg[/img]
The title genuinely says it all; for once Lynch makes a 'normal' film about an old man travelling across America to see his brother, who is dying (played by Lynch regular [i]Harry Dean Stanton[/i]). It is of little interest to the fans of Lynch's usual works but is generally considered an excellent film by the mainstream.
[b]2001: Mulholland Drive[/b]
[img]http://a44paco.files.wordpress.com/2007/02/mulhollanddrive.jpg[/img]
Lynch's true masterpiece. His most surreal work thus far, [i]Mulholland Drive[/i] deals with an amnesiac trying to remember who she is, confronting jealousy, mistaken identities and a myriad of nightmarish characters. Dreamy, non-linear and seemingly endless, this is what Lynch does best. People change identities, locations cease to be, and you will laugh, be scared, confounded, fascinated and sucked into the dark side of Hollywood. You will NEVER forget this film.
[i]Singer cameo: Billy Ray Cyrus[/i]
[b]2006: INLAND EMPIRE[/b]
[img]http://subtitlestocinema.files.wordpress.com/2007/09/81.jpg[/img]
Probably the scariest film ever. Essentially a three hour long nightmare, about a woman in trouble. An actress making a movie begins to realise her life is starting to mimic it - people forget who they are, identities crumble away, people disappear...this is the usual Lynch fare, but spread out and expanded to a terrifying level. Shot on DV camera, it feels like a student film with A list actors. Very hard to sit through but fascinating and vast, many view this to be Lynch's magnum opus. What is this movie about? Rabbits trapped in purgatory? A curse over a movie that was never finished due to an unnamed tragedy? Who knows? Watch it and make up your own mind.
[i]David Lynch[/i] is notorious for not revealing the meaning for any of his movies. He likes to hear people's interpretations, but will never tell you if you're right. To this day he says he hasn't met a single person whose interpretation of [i]Eraserhead[/i] matches his own.
If you are looking for something other than the usual anaemic fare of contemporary cinema, watch something by David Lynch. He'll suck you in, and you'll either love him or hate him for it. Nightmarish, allegorical and timeless. One of the finest directors of our day.
[img]http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pIz-Xi0Vayo/Si6ZeDs1q_I/AAAAAAAABfo/TUla8bJpZPU/S1600-R/david-lynch01.jpg[/img]
Please feel free to discuss and ask questions, just use appropriate tags for spoilers!
"Fuck you, you fucking fuck"
Frank Booth scares me.
[QUOTE=Publius;20179003]
Lynch's true masterpiece. His most surreal work thus far,
[/QUOTE]
I wouldn't really call this his most surreal work. It's probably the easiest to understand of his "weird" movies. I'd give that title to Inland Empire.
Yeah, since watching INLAND EMPIRE, I would give it that title too. It's also my favourite of his movies, it's such a labyrinth that it makes all his previous work seem straightforward. I remember Mulholland Drive absolutely changing the way I viewed cinema, and then INLAND EMPIRE doing the same thing tenfold.
Sounds really interesting. Haven't seen any of those; which would you recommend to try first?
Hmm, difficult to say. They're all wonderful; Lost Highway, Mulholland Drive and INLAND EMPIRE are all quite similar, Elephant Man is his most well known but was made on commission (he was paid to direct it) but is an excellent movie, Blue Velvet is great if you don't mind shocking sex and violence.
Overall I'd probably say Mulholland Drive. Fantastic movie.
I just started downloading it a few minutes ago actually :smile:
I remember really wanting to see Elephant Man a couple of years ago because it sounds so sad, but I never got around to it. Will have to give it a shot after Mulholland Drive :smile:
I liked that scene with the hitman constantly fucking up. It's hilarious.
[B]Look at my knee![/B]
Loved Eraserhead and Elephant Man.
Couldn't sit through Inland Empire, the atmosphere didn't grab me, it was too ugly. I fucking hate Digital. Maybe I'll try again later.
I think I'll watch Mulholland Drive tonight.
one of my all time favorite directors (i have to argue with a friend on a daily basis that he's a better director than quentin tarantino) and I LOVE all of the stuff I've seen from him.
My favorite is probably elephant man, followed by mulholland drive, then blue velvet, then eraserhead.
[QUOTE=Drasnus;20179762][B]Look at my knee![/B]
Loved Eraserhead and Elephant Man.
Couldn't sit through Inland Empire, the atmosphere didn't grab me, it was too ugly. I fucking hate Digital. Maybe I'll try again later.
I think I'll watch Mulholland Drive tonight.[/QUOTE]
I found INLAND EMPIRE incredibly tough to sit through as well. I didn't like digital and half the movie seemed to just be a close up of Laura Dern looking constipated. But a second viewing (in two parts - 3 hours is too long for a movie!) proved otherwise. I got into it so much better and eventually I quite liked the digital quality. It looks like nothing moves - there is no grain or texture like 35mm film has. Just a sort of repeating pattern, which only moves when something on the screen moves. So if a character is talking, they look perfectly animated, but the background around them is perfectly still.
I'm pretty sure I actually understand the film now, too! If anyone fancies a discussion let me know :)
[QUOTE=Munchiselleh;20179797]one of my all time favorite directors (i have to argue with a friend on a daily basis that he's a better director than quentin tarantino) and I LOVE all of the stuff I've seen from him.
My favorite is probably elephant man, followed by mulholland drive, then blue velvet, then eraserhead.[/QUOTE]
I've seen 3 David Lynch movies, and I understand why people like him, but I'm not the biggest fan. I really liked Blue Velvet and Elephant Man, both well done movies. Mulholland Drive I didn't really care for though.
But your friend sounds like he knows that he is talking about, because I do think Quentin Tarantino is better than David Lynch. Lynch knows how to make a creepy, surreal atmosphere, but I think that's his only unique attribute. Tarantino is pretty much the greatest living director (he knows it too, and is a bit arrogant, but so what?)
He also did the Moby music video for "Shot in the Back of the Head"
Lynch is very good at doing more than making Creepy atmospheres. Twin Peaks was a household name in the US in the early 1990s - everybody and their mom watched that show. And The Straight Story is a very heartwarming tale.
But in his own words, he just loves 'exploring strange worlds...'
You could picture Lynch and Tarantino as directorial archetypes continued. Lynch is sort of an embodiment of Luis Bunuel, creating dark distillations of his surreal themes (similarities between [i]Un Chien Andalou[/i] and [i]Eraserhead[/i] are striking) and Tarantino often cites Jean-Luc Godard as an influence, he made [I]Reservoir Dogs[/I] as a tribute to Godard and many scenes in [I]Inglourious Basterds[/I] are reminiscent of the French New Wave, particularly the long dialogue sequences.
Interestingly, Luis Bunuel was accused of trying to emulate Godard and Truffaut's New Wave work, even though his own style was totally different. The same can be said of Lynch and Tarantino - Lynch has stepped into the more 'gangster' territory with [I]Blue Velvet[/I], [I]Wild At Heart[/I] and [I]Lost Highway[/I]. Just a thought!
[QUOTE=Publius;20180779]Lynch is very good at doing more than making Creepy atmospheres. Twin Peaks was a household name in the US in the early 1990s - everybody and their mom watched that show. And The Straight Story is a very heartwarming tale.
But in his own words, he just loves 'exploring strange worlds...'
You could picture Lynch and Tarantino as directorial archetypes continued. Lynch is sort of an embodiment of Luis Bunuel, creating dark distillations of his surreal themes (similarities between [I]Un Chien Andalou[/I] and [I]Eraserhead[/I] are striking) and Tarantino often cites Jean-Luc Godard as a reference, many scenes in [I]Inglourious Basterds[/I] are reminiscent of the French New Wave, particularly the long dialogue sequences.
Interestingly, Luis Bunuel was accused of trying to emulate Godard and Truffaut's New Wave work, even though his own style was totally different. The same can be said of Lynch and Tarantino - Lynch has stepped into the more 'gangster' territory with [I]Blue Velvet[/I], [I]Wild At Heart[/I] and [I]Lost Highway[/I]. Just a thought![/QUOTE]
interesting reflection, i see what you mean with lost highway and blue velvet
Blue Velvet= Pure Gold. I love Frank Booth.
I saw [i]Mullholland Drive[/i], [i]Blue Velvet[/i], and [i]Twin Peaks[/i], and I loved them all. I really want to see [i]Lost Highway[/i] and [i]Inland Empire[/i] after reading the descriptions....I love that strange/surreal/nightmare atmosphere in movies.
The grandmother was his first film. Get your facts right kid
I haven't included any of his shorts. And even if I did, [i]Six Men Getting Sick[/i] was his first film.
Get YOUR facts right kid.
[QUOTE=TheIceman;20180850]Blue Velvet= Pure Gold. I love Frank Booth.[/QUOTE]
He's the only person in the movie to say fuck, except for when he told one of his henchmen to say fuck one time. Supposedly David Lynch while directing never said fuck. He just called it, "that word"
[QUOTE=pie_is_good;20181708]He's the only person in the movie to say fuck, except for when he told one of his henchmen to say fuck one time. Supposedly David Lynch while directing never said fuck. He just called it, "that word"[/QUOTE]
He's changed a bit since then, he swears all the time in interviews!
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKiIroiCvZ0[/media]
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4wh_mc8hRE&feature=related[/media]
wow he is just like me. a rebel teen. david lynch is my idol
Twin Peaks scared the almighty fucking catshit out of me when I was younger.
I saw The Straight Story a while back and thought it was pretty good. I thought the simple story was enough and worked well, and I remember my dad said at the time that Lynch started his career as a commercial's director or something and that it's visible in most shots in The Straight Story... but I guess he just pulled that one out of his ass...
Haven't seen anything else by him, though, but he's definitely in my list of directors I need to check out.
Saw most of Twin Peaks and loved it. I laughed so hard when the Log Lady was introduced.
I watched Mulholland Drive tonight; it's absolutely amazing.
The end was overwhelming, but so brilliant.
Yeah I loved Mulholland Drive. My mouth was agape. It also contains my favourite scene in movie history, Club Silencio.
Elephant Man and Blue Velvet are the only films I've seen of Lynch's. I've always wanted to see more.
Especially Twin Peaks, which helped inspire Silent Hill 2.
Wasn't there one set in an apartment complex or some such, too? An early one? I think I've seen some of that.
[QUOTE=protoAuthor;20214941]Elephant Man and Blue Velvet are the only films I've seen of Lynch's. I've always wanted to see more.
Especially Twin Peaks, which helped inspire Silent Hill 2.
Wasn't there one set in an apartment complex or some such, too? An early one? I think I've seen some of that.[/QUOTE]
Blue Velvet?
[editline]01:31PM[/editline]
i wanna see inland empire
INLAND EMPIRE is his masterpiece imo
I smiled when i saw this thread.
It's nice to know people on Fp appreciate good films.
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