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I'm sort of working on a very basic theory of David Lynch's work, and it's this: his greatest strength is his deep empathy, and his work succeeds or fails based on how easily accessed and clearly expressed that empathy is. I'm sure someone smarter than me has said this already!
But this is what I've been thinking about. I didn't really like Wild At Heart, and I think it's because the movie as a whole doesn't have enough empathy for its characters. We see Lula get sexually assaulted twice, the second time in hyperfocused detail, and for what?
I hate seeing sexual assault in movies, but that's a me problem--I don't think it should never be depicted, of course. But in this instance I don't think it's FOR anything. It's not even interesting or unique, it's almost boilerplate.
And I'm thinking about season 2 of Twin Peaks, when Lynch/Frost had limited or no involvement, and how the show has basically zero empathy for Windom Earle. He's this community theatre Wishbone-ass psychopath that the show holds at arm's length: he likes, uh, chess and murder?
Mulholland Drive covers a lot of the same themes as Lost Highway, but to (imho) much greater success, and I think it's because we have more access to the characters' motivations, fears, desires, etc.
The only feature I have yet to see is The Straight Story (on da schedule).
The only feature I have yet to see is The Straight Story (on da schedule).
So anyway. If anyone wants to talk about David Lynch, this is a David Lynch Appreciation Zone, where I welcome all opinions and questions. Thank you
Oh also I think Laura Dern is one of our most talented onscreen criers. When she cries, I want to cry, every time. Elisabeth Moss has this same effect on me.
