What Makes David Lynch’s Films So Uniquely ‘Lynchian’?
Charlie Rose: “When people say Lynchian, what do they mean?”
Lynch: “I haven’t got a clue. I think when you’re inside of it, you can’t see it. So I don’t know.”
Charlie Rose — David Lynch (1997)
David Lynch, a name that echoes with enigma and mystery, has carved a distinct niche for himself in the realm of filmmaking. His captivating and often perplexing creations have fascinated audiences for decades. From the surreal nightmares of “Eraserhead” to the small-town secret of “Twin Peaks”, Lynch’s films are an exploration of the human psyche, laden with symbolism, abstraction, and interpretation. But what lies behind the veil of Lynch’s creative mind? What is it that makes his films so uniquely “Lynchian”?
Lynch is a multi-faceted artist.
A modern day Renaissance Man.
While he is best known as a filmmaker, he is also an accomplished painter, photographer, interior designer, and author. Lynch’s talents extend to various mediums, allowing him to explore his artistic-vision in multiple dimensions. His interest in art, design, and literature have greatly influenced his filmmaking style, making his works visually stunning and narratively complex.
Lynch’s cinematic journey began in earnest with his debut feature film, “Eraserhead” (1977). I must admit, my first encounter with this film left me slightly frustrated. I found myself bewildered, unable to comprehend the purpose behind its unsettling visuals. I remember asking myself, “What is going on here??” However, my initial bewilderment soon transformed into curiosity, drawing me deeper into the abyss. I began to appreciate the film’s unconventional storytelling approach.
“Eraserhead” set in a dystopian urban environment, it immerses viewers in an otherworldly realm fraught with desolation and despair. The film centers around Henry Spencer, a socially awkward man trapped in a nightmarish existence, as he navigates a series of inexplicable and increasingly disturbing events. The film is replete with potent symbolism, inviting audiences to embark on a deeply personal journey of interpretation. The iconic image of a deformed, crying baby represents Henry’s fears, anxieties and responsibilities, thrusting him into a state of existential crisis. This perplexing symbol evokes profound emotional and psychological responses, offering glimpses into the abyss of the human condition.
Throughout his illustrious career, Lynch has crafted a diverse portfolio of captivating works, such as the haunting and cryptic series “Twin Peaks” (1990–1991). Set in the eponymous fictional town, “Twin Peaks” unravels a tapestry of interconnected lives, secrets, and mysteries. The murder investigation of high school student Laura Palmer serves as the catalyst for delving into the town’s dark underbelly, supernatural phenomena, and peculiar characters.
Unlike my initial confusion with “Eraserhead,” “Twin Peaks” captured my intention from the very beginning. The allure of the series lies in its multifaceted characters, the layers of intrigue, and the masterful execution of its atmospheric setting. From the first episode, I found myself engrossed in the intricate web of mysteries woven throughout the small town of Twin Peaks. The atmospheric quality of “Twin Peaks” is undoubtedly one of its strongest elements. The foggy landscapes, towering evergreen trees, and mist-shrouded environs create a pervasive sense of foreboding. The color grading and the cinematography evoke a distinct Lynchian aesthetic, reminiscent of “The Shining” by Kubrick, immersing viewers in a world that feels both familiar and surreal.
One specific scene that encapsulates the Lyncian essence in “Twin Peaks” is the iconic “Red Room” sequence. Agent Dale Cooper, played by Kyle MacLachlan, finds himself in a dreamlike realism filled with red curtains, black and white zigzag-patterned floors, and enigmatic characters. In this ethereal space, time and logic seem to lose their hold, and symbolism takes center stage. Then there’s this one character, Man from Another Place, a dwarf-like figure who speaks in riddles, reflects Lynch’s fondness for presenting symbols and clues that resist straightforward interpretation, leaving audiences to navigate the labyrinthine mysteries of “Twin Peaks”. This surrealist masterpiece served as a harbinger of his unique storytelling approach, intertwining dreamlike imagery and disturbing soundscape to create an unforgettable experience. The success of “Eraserhead”, “Twin Peaks” and his various works laid the groundwork for future exploration into the depths of Lynchian cinema.
Lynchian, Lynchian, Lynchian
What does that even mean?
The term “Lynchian” has become synonymous with specific aesthetic and narrative style pioneered by David Lynch. It encompasses a range of elements such as surrealism, dreamlike sequences, and an underlying sense of mystery. Lynch’s fascination with abstraction stems from his belief in inherent ambiguity of life itself. He insists on offering explicit explanations for his films, encouraging audiences to embark on their own subjective journeys of discovery.
The feeling is the meaning.
To understand the meaning, you have to feel them.
This approach has sparked intense debate and analysis among critics and cinephiles, with theories ranging from Freudian dream analysis to symbolic exploration of the human psyche.
Lynch’s creative process is an enigmatic as the worlds he brings to life on screen. In his book, “Catching the Big Fish,” he delves into the importance of meditation, daydreaming, and embracing the subconscious as catalysts for artistic inspiration. Through these practices, he taps into the wellspring of creativity, allowing his ideas to flow freely and unencumbered by rational constraints.
One concept that Lynch elucidates in his book is “Symptomatic Interpreation.” This approach involves examining the symptoms or sensation a film evokes, rather than seeking definitive answers or explanations. From Laura Palmer’s murder in “Twin Peaks” to the haunting world of “Mulholland Drive”, Lynch believes that a film need not always make logical sense. As Lynch’s renowned quote,
“I don’t know why people expect art to make sense, when they accept the fact that life doesn’t make sense,”
By embracing this open-ended approach, Lynch invites audience to participate actively in the interpretation of his work, fostering a personal connection that transcends traditional storytelling boundaries.
I will let Lynch himself to explain to you why you don’t need my help (or anybody help) to understand his work. This is taken from his book, “Catching the Big Fish,”:
“Cinema is a lot like music. It can be very abstract. But people have a yearning to make intellectual sense of it–to put it right into words, and when they can’t do that it feels frustrating. But they can come up with an explanation from within if they just allow it. As they start talking to their friends, soon they will see things–what something is and what something isn’t. And they might agree with their friends or argue with their friends. But how could they agree or argue if they don’t already know? The interesting thing is they do know more than they think. And by voicing what they know, it becomes clear, and when they see something, they could try to clarify that a little more and again–go back and forth–with a friend. And they would come to some conclusion and that would be valid.”
In essence, the Lynchian quality of Lynch’s films is a combination of his unique storytelling approach, surrealistic visuals, atmospheric techniques, complex characters, and the ability to evoke a sense of mystery, unease, and introspection. It is this distinct artistic vision that sets Lynch apart and makes his films so unmistakably Lynchian.
This blog post is also available on rottenradish.wordpress.com