Atmosphere. This is surely the best word to (attempt) to define the cinema of David Lynch. The American director died on January 16 at the age of 78. The one who suffered from pulmonary emphysema, “the price to pay” for “years of cigarettes”, leaves behind a filmography as cult as it is confusing.
• “Elephant Man” (1980)
The director’s second feature film after Eraserhead (1977), Elephant Man has become a must-see film for movie buffs. Released in 1980, it tells the true story of Joseph Merrick (played by British actor John Hurt) nicknamed “the Elephant Man”, a British man suffering from Proteus syndrome which causes extreme physical malformations.
Elephant Man addresses themes of beauty, human cruelty and compassion. Winner of the César for best foreign film in 1982, the film shot in black and white was released in theaters in 2020 for its fortieth anniversary.
• “Dune” (1984)
Denis Villeneuve is not the first filmmaker to have tried his hand at adapting Frank Herbert’s science fiction novel. David Lynch set out in 1984 with an ambitious project: to transcribe the rich universe of the book into a film lasting just over two hours.
The story follows Paul Atreides, heir to a noble family, and his battle to rule the desert planet Arrakis. Although the film divided critics and audiences upon its release, it remains a feature film with a unique visual aesthetic and a diverse cast, ranging from Kyle MacLachlan to Patrick Stewart to singer Sting.
• “Blue Velvet” (1986)
Psychological thriller released in 1986, the film Blue Velvet – from which the iconic song of the same name comes – tells the story of a young man who discovers a severed ear leading him to investigate a criminal case.
The film evokes voyeurism or even perversion, and confuses themes such as beauty and violence on screen.
-• “Twin Peaks” (1990-2017)
Created by David Lynch and Mark Frost, Twin Peaks is a television series with the first two seasons released in 1990-1991 and which made a comeback with a third season released in 2017. The plot revolves around the mysterious murder of Laura Palmer, a teenager from the small town of Twin Peaks.
Becoming cult for its unique atmosphere, its characters and its offbeat intrigues, Twin Peaks mixes genres, plays with soap opera codes and goes from police drama to psychological thriller, while adding supernatural elements.
• “Mulholland Drive” (2001)
Released in 2001, Mulholland Drive tells the story of an amnesiac woman found after a car accident on Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles, rescued by a young aspiring actress who tries to help her regain her identity. The two women find themselves plunged into a succession of strange events throughout the story.
Cult film for its non-linear structure, its staging and its ability to play between reality and illusion, Mulholland Drive destabilizes there too thanks to its atmosphere and its story which destabilize the spectator. A cinematic masterpiece that offers a reflection on Hollywood and the American dream.
Original article published on BFMTV.com
