A Tribute to David Lynch: The Maestro of Surreal Cinema
How David Lynch's Films Shaped My Life and Perceptions of Art
My First Encounters with David Lynch’s World
As a child growing up in Canada, my first encounter with David Lynch's work was when "Blue Velvet" played on TV late at night on what is known as Superchannel, basically our version of HBO at the time. I was absolutely fascinated by Dennis Hopper’s “Frank Booth” character who was equally terrifying/hilarious at the same time. The entire movie felt like one of those situations, where you’re in a strange place and one person shows up and basically takes the room hostage. Lynch captured that sense of claustrophobia and paranoia so succinctly yet had this immense appreciation for moments of beauty in a bad world.
I remember being fascinated and slightly bewildered by its dark, enigmatic power. The sound. The visuals. The acting. So strange yet so enchanting. The fact that the catalyst for the entire movie was the discovery of a severed ear in the grass, where eager ants look to consume it. Like the pig’s head in Lord of the Flies.
Moments like the camera dollying in to Frank Booth loudly proclaiming, “Let’s fuck!!!” and inexplicably jump cutting to him gone. That moment stuck with me. The impromptu “In Dreams” lip sync performance by Dean Stockwell.
This early exposure planted the seeds of curiosity that would later blossom into a profound appreciation for Lynch’s artistry.
The Catalyst: My German Uncle’s Influence
My mom’s younger sister had married a German man named Dietmar, who was a massive film aficionado. When he and my aunt would bring my cousins down to Vancouver to visit, he opened an account at the local video store and rent movies to devour them. Where they lived the access was very limited, so when he found out I liked movies he would rent a bunch of his newer favourites and we’d sit up all night watching and discussing them.
He fervently raved about Lynch being the best American filmmaker, comparing his work to the cinematic masterpieces of Europe’s past. We watched "Wild at Heart," a film that mesmerized him with its raw energy and surreal narrative. Throughout the film he would point out the inspirations from other directors and their techniques. This comparison to European cinema made me see Lynch's films as a bridge between American and European artistic traditions.
Shortly after, I bought a large coffee table sized book called “Fantastic Films” and in the back was an index of movies with two ratings. Best score overall denoted by stars, and horrific content factor, noted by skulls. The only movie to have both 5 stars and 5 skulls was Eraserhead, so my friend and I decided to rent it and give it a watch.
We both sat there dumbfounded. The entire thing is of course, “Bizarre” but the moment where the woman does an awkward dance while squishing worms pushed us over the edge, yet we kept watching.
Becoming a Devoted Fan
From that point on, I became a huge fan of David Lynch. I watched everything he created, immersing myself in his unique, dreamlike worlds. I eventually went to film school and we would talk constantly about his techniques and the meanings behind his movies.
Among all his films, "Mulholland Drive" stands out to me as his magnum opus. Its intricate plot, haunting atmosphere, and brilliant performances left an indelible mark on my perception of cinema.
My Favourite Moments in Lynch’s Works
Blue Velvet: The beautiful moment Laura Dern’s character describes the meaning of Robins in her dream, as an antidote to the horrors of the world. Kyle McLachlan’s character sits there listening to her as a young man torn between the dark side of town and the angel there before him.
Wild at Heart: The outright gore combined with over-the-top fantasy made the film's wild, unpredictable journey something to behold. Equally horrific and funny, proved to be a stylistic precursor as it felt as if Lynch was experimenting with things seen later on in Twin Peaks.
Twin Peaks: The eerie and iconic scenes in the Red Room that forever changed television storytelling. The moment where the Major sits in a diner and reveals to his son Bobby, the depths of love he feels for him as a father, while sitting there in his military uniform.
Mulholland Drive: The mysterious Club Silencio scene, which encapsulates Lynch's mastery of atmosphere and emotion in 5 minutes of goosebump inducing beauty that brings tears to people’s eyes. The dream of Hollywood that turns into a nightmare.
Lost Highway: A commentary on the pervasive nature of cameras in society, surveillance and identity crisis. Robert Blake with one of the most unsettling performances in cinematic history. And this was before he murdered someone for real.
Twin Peaks the Return: Episode 8: This is perhaps, Lynch’s final great work. Nearly feature film in length, Lynch pulls out all the stops creatively and gave birth to this incredible piece of visual art that we’ll never see the likes of again. A black and white episode that reveals the true origins of “Bob” in the Twin Peaks world. The moment a world destroying weapon was introduced.
David Lynch’s Philosophy on Creativity and Life
Lynch's approach to creativity was deeply philosophical. He often spoke about the importance of ideas and how they come to him through meditation and intuition. His belief in the power of the subconscious mind and the beauty of ambiguity is evident in all his works. Lynch encouraged embracing the unknown and finding beauty in the mysterious aspects of life. Yet, it was important not to suffer for it.
Launching Careers and Crafting Legacies
David Lynch has not only created a unique oeuvre but has also launched the careers of many actors and collaborators. From Kyle MacLachlan's unforgettable roles to Laura Dern's numerous collaborations, Lynch has been a mentor and visionary. His influence extends beyond his films, resonating with a new generation of filmmakers who seek to explore the boundaries of storytelling. Even in the musical world he would utilize unheard of musicians and bring them into the spotlight. He had impeccable tastes, and nobody chose movie sirens like he did. The eye he had for classic Hollywood beauty was unmatched.
Lynch's Legacy: Up There with the Greats
Today, in my opinion David Lynch's legacy stands tall alongside cinematic giants like Tarkovsky. His films are going to be studied, admired, and celebrated for their originality and depth for generations to come. He has carved out a niche that is distinctly his own, blending surrealism with profound human emotions, making him one of the most influential directors of our time.
David Lynch's impact on my life has been profound. From that first bewildering experience with "Blue Velvet" to my deep admiration for "Mulholland Drive," his films have shaped my understanding of art and creativity, and even life itself. There was nobody like him before, and there will never be any again. Lynch's work will continue to inspire, challenge, and captivate audiences, and leave an everlasting imprint on the world of cinema and art.
I’ll be forever grateful to be alive during this time in history to witness such a unique talent. I hope one day my dreams will intertwine with his again.
Thank you Mr Lynch.