Forgetable characters in search of a story.

Rating: 1/10 (14 October 2001)

Lynch is a gifted director and his films "Blue Velvet" and "Lost Highway" will sooner or later be recognized as true American cinema masterpieces. Unfortunately, "Mulholland Dr." is not one of them. Far from being even merely good, this film dwells on tired quirks, attitude and atmosphere in a desperate attempt to create drama. It does not succeed. There is no drama as the characters, Betty and Rita seem unconvincing, perhaps for lack of acting abilities perhaps because of the director's intention. Plot there is, as events follow other events, all of them searching for a story that fails to arrive. Characters come and go, trying to be "cool," trying to convey something but at the end we don't know what. Even the sex is worse than bad, that is, just boring and uninteresting. There is no philosophical, psychological, social or political point. Nothing adds up here. I am glad I was invited to a free screening. Even if it is the last tape at your rental place, pass on the video.