We all have things that we identify ourselves with. When I think of myself, I think of several things: jazz, art, bohemianism, goth, old Hollywood and, David Lynch.
I decided to write a post about all things Lynch. Obviously I know the majority of you might care less, but, this is a man close to my heart and I may be a wee bit obsessed over him. Just a wee bit.
To those in the dark, David Lynch is a film director. His list of works have included: ‘Twin Peaks”, “The Elephant Man”, “Dune”, “Lost Highway”, “Wild at Heart”, “Blue Velvet”, “Mulholland Drive” , “Inland Empire” and several others.
My fascination – because, honestly, there is no other word – began in the mid 90s. I have always loved film. And as I got older I realized how much I began to appreciate it. Especially artsy, weird and non Hollywood box office film. David Lynch was the obvious if I was interested in this type.
I remember watching “Lost Highway” sometime after it came out (1996) and being utterly riveted by it. Not because I understood it. It was because I couldn’t understand it and my curiosity was peaked. I spent hours mulling it over in my mind. ‘What did it mean? What was he trying to say or convey? What was the actual storyline?’
I couldn’t answer any of those questions. But I tried and tried to anyways.
Eventually my verdict was this: It’s not supposed to make sense. It makes sense to him, the director, and that is what makes it art.
(For the record, I still don’t know what ‘Lost Highway” is about and I’ve watched it about 50 times.)
Then, I began to seek out the rest of his films, maybe in the hopes of figuring out what made him tick.
“Mulholland Drive” was next and this is still my favorite work of Lynch’s.
I was late on “Twin Peaks.” I kick myself for that. It’s became an unnatural obsession for me, but, a comforting one and I can’t imagine my life without it. Yes, I know it’s a tv series and yes, I know I probably need to get a life. Do I care? Nope.
When I’ve been asked by friends, family or strangers about David Lynch, I say this:
“His work is like a puzzle. A giant brain jigsaw. I love that it makes me perplexed, makes my head hurt and leaves me in confusion.”
This is the appeal to me. It’s a challenge. There is no giant, pretty bow at the end of his films. There is no clear answer. You are left having to make your own assumptions or endings and this is true genius, in my opinion.
There are obvious themes in his work though; other dimensions, multiple personalities, good vs evil. His themes are one thing I am sure of and can count on everytime.
So, how about all of you? Is there a film, a band, a work of art that makes you, you? Anything that is an obsession for you that others might not understand? I would like to know! =)
journal of ardency 