The world is dark, and films are stories about the world. Good and evil are components of stories.
David Lynch
David Lynch has moved on to that diner in the sky. Leaving behind a world in desperate need of originality, that’s bad news for us down here. A lot of us here at Last Movie Outpost could go on and on about his films so we will save that for the Disqus.
A true master of surrealism, he could make you cringe, laugh, and the hair stand up on the back of your neck, all within one scene. I feel like some misjudge Lynch in that they look at his films as needlessly puzzling. Like he is taunting them in some way, trying to confuse.
I truly do not believe that is the case. His films are visual journeys, always meant to pierce the viewer. Not to outsmart them or keep a secret from them, but to puncture and step back while we observe what flows out.
As a personality, he always seemed warm and willing to give advice. A genuine off-beat character that so naturally slipped between old values and quirky musings.
His taste in music was always interesting. Ranging from dark, clawing rockabilly to minimal electronica and pure pop. His soundtracks and scores make for a beautifully punishing Spotify playlist.
No matter how “out there” and off-beat Lynch got he always seemed to come back to the 1950’s. This to me was his comfort zone. His place of grounding. He peeled back layers of quiet idealistic towns to reveal the darkness that took place behind closed doors. Still, he always showed the goodness of the townsfolk and the joy of a cherry pie and a “damn fine” cup of coffee.
The brilliance of each simple gesture stating to those invested, this be friend or enemy. A harbinger of darkness coming or of light. Symbolism bursts out the seems mapping out things to come marrying the absurd to the normal.
He authored Catching the Big Fish. A very inspiring quick, easy read. It’s a book about ideas. How one can unlock their imagination leading to that one big idea that could change their whole life. Then the grounded version of Lynch reappears. He doesn’t see the need for an artist to suffer. He does not believe they have to identify with the characters they create.
“Let your characters do the suffering” is his perspective. Incredible.
No other director has given me such a visceral reaction to their films. It’s hard to describe this but I automatically trusted him. I could tell it wouldn’t always make sense or even connect sometimes. But just like he opened me up to music I wouldn’t have normally listened to, it was always worth the journey. Mr. Lynch, you inspired like no other.
BlastofsilenceJJ