Very enigmatic

Rating: 8/10 (3 May 2002)

Now, I'm not a huge David Lynch fan, and I understand it's moderately important to acquire a taste for his films before criticizing them. I've seen "Blue Velvet"--an unpleasant film that probably makes sense to Lynch efficianados, but has no appeal to me--and "Lost Highway"--a dull, overlong piece that's way beyond comprehension. I sometimes question whether or not Lynch really has talent. Well, I found "Mulholland Dr." to be very intriguing. After two viewings, it still has me confused. Nevertheless, it's well-done, extremely well-acted and very interesting. Yes, it's a strange film. But if a movie keeps you glued to the screen, anticipating what will happen next, for 2 hours and 30 minutes...obviously it's doing its job.
If there's anything I have to say, "Mulholland Dr." IS like nothing you'll ever see! After watching one conventional movie after another, this movie should be a breath of fresh air. Naomi Watts is an extremely beautiful actress--I'm talking BREATHTAKINGLY gorgeous!--and her nomination for Best Actress in the Golden Globes was very well-deserved. She is extremely charismatic and has an impeccable charm that is reminiscent of actresses of early cinema. I'll definitely remember her after this performance. On the other hand, Laura Harring's performance is uneven. Though also extremely beautiful, her American accent noticeably drifts from time to time, and her struggling to cover up her foreign accent hinders her performance at times. But I must say, she has a smooookin' bod! Watch the lesbian love scene and you'll see. Watts and Harring do have 2 pretty intense sex scenes, but they're both done in good taste. The scenes seem pretty natural, rather than gratuitous, even though it can only be convincing between 2 women. Face it, you won't see Mel Gibson and Danny Glover get into bed together, one things lead to another and they end up...well, that's disgusting. Anyway, those scenes are pretty hot and though I don't view this is as a softcore porn flick, I was quite stimulated by the sight of 2 beautiful naked women making love.
Another fine actor in this well-assembled cast is Justin Thoreoaux, who I've probably seen before but never really acknowledged. He is also a terrific actor. And y'all remember one-hit wonder Billy Ray Cyrus? Mr. Achy Breaky Heart? Well, he appears in an amusing cameo. He's not a bad actor, and since his music career obviously didn't pan out maybe he can take a crack at the movie biz.
The music is terrific. Though I don't always think highly of Lynch's work, he always chooses great music for his soundtrack. Obviously, music plays an integral role in his work. I love that song Camilla Rhodes sings during the audition. I still can't get that song out of my head.
It's hard to describe elements of the plot without giving too much away. All I will say is it's intriguing and full of mystery and will keep you guessing. I will say, that was one hell of a curve ball Lynch threw at the end, though. I still couldn't figure out that twisted ending. I've heard theories that maybe the whole film is a dream. It makes quite a bit of sense. There's a lot of dream-like elements to this story. But then I stop and ponder..."What was that box for?" If it's all a dream, what purpose did the box serve? Even 2 viewings aren't enough for a movie like this. I'll probably either rent this movie again or buy it and continue watching it over and over again. It's good to watch a movie in which you uncover different elements in further viewings. This movie remains a mystery to me, and probably will to everybody else.
Still, I felt there were certain pretentions existent. What was the point of that cowboy? And did we really have to watch that opera singer sing for a whole 4 minutes or so? Like most respected directors, Lynch felt he can get away with a few self-indulgences.
I will regard this as a unique, unforgettable film, but I cannot regard it as brilliant on those grounds alone. It still leaves me baffled, and some scenes are too enigmatic for their own good. But it's intriguing and it's interesting and you will be blown away. See it for yourself!
My score: 8 (out of 10)