Great, if you have the decoder ring

Rating: 5/10 (25 May 2002)

"Mulholland Dr." reminded me of the first time I read "The Sound and the Fury;" it was just completely over my head and I hated it. But then I bought the Cliff Notes and everything seemed to make sense and I actually admired the book. "Mulholland Dr." is similar; when I finished the movie I was completely frustrated, but once I read an article that explained it, everything again seemed to make sense and I do admire the movie.
However, I cannot help but feel that a movie that requires an outside source to make it enjoyable and meaningful is nothing more than a cheat. I am impressed with the film and Mr. Lynch's direction, but that doesn't make up for the feeling that he is trying to pull the wool over his audience's eyes. I am telling my friends not to see this film; if they absolutely must see it, I am telling them that they MUST find an article, a secret decoder ring of sorts, that explains it or they will be utterly disappointed.