Repeated viewing yields rich rewards -- and Naomi Watts is Best Actress

Rating: 10/10 (15 February 2002)

I hate to begrudge anyone their Oscar nomination, but that Naomi Watts wasn't nominated for best actress this year is astounding. There were fine performances by several actresses this year and some of them were even nominated. Watts's performance, however, was far and above any other hat in the ring. Her exclusion seems shameful. I accept that the Oscars have their political underbelly and bemoaning that, I suppose, is naïve. When you think about it, neglecting Watts is not a bad metaphor for at least one of the underlying themes in Mulholland Drive, a richly textured masterpiece.
I'm wonder that it isn't common to go to see good movies numerous times. The best films are so rich and complex. It takes repeated viewings to thoroughly appreciate the jewels waiting to be discovered underneath the surface. Much like repeated listening to a great but complex symphony, with repeated viewings Mulholland Drive's rich mysteries unravel to reveal a coherent, elegant, satisfying logic.
I've seen Mulholland drive eight times, and will see it again this evening. I have found each new viewing to be more intellectually and emotionally satisfying than the previous viewing as the whole work comes more and more into focus  a `grok' if you will. I understand that the film may not be to everyone's liking or temperament. I suspect, however, that most film lovers will find repeated viewings of this multi-layered, beautifully photographed, brilliantly acted and authoritatively directed work highly rewarding.
I can't help but repeat myself about the Naomi Watts oversight. This thoroughly satisfying film that many find so mysterious is an apex of clarity compared to this mysterious injustice at the hands of ones supposed peers. It's a wonder that Lynch was nominated for best director while all of the other remarkable achievements of his masterpiece have been entirely overlooked by the Academy  most notable being Naomi Watts's remarkable performance.