worthy of discussion and repeat viewings

Rating: 10/10 (20 April 2002)

I don't typically post my comments about movies. I vote and thats usually it. But with the comments I've been reading for Mulholland Dr., I had to add my 2 cents and fend off the "its pretentious crap" comments.
Is this movie confusing? Yes, incredibly so. With careful examination is there sense to be made from it? Yes, absolutely so. You may not agree with the person next to you about what exactly happened but that is OK. I like the kind of film where I can't stop thinking about it and wanting to discuss it.
This movie takes a giant leap in the clarity department on second viewing. Especially if you have read a little about it or discussed it before re-viewing. There is a core story there - it just happens that most of it occurs in a dream/fantasy state where visuals may represent more than the obvious. And to the person that said the Club Silencio scene was unnecessary, wrong. That is the most pivotal scene in the film because it carries the message that what we are seeing may not be real. It may feel real and evoke emotion but that does not change the fact that it is not real. This movie is like no other that I can think of. See it. More than once.
As for my explanation: Betty/Diane never dated Rita/Camilla. She dated the brunette that lived next door and wished she was dating Rita/Camilla whom she worked with in movies. She fantasized about her, had her killed, and then dreamed of a new world where they loved each other.
I can't give this movie enough praise: 10