Murder, love, jealousy, fame and the grit of reality.

Rating: 10/10 (18 February 2004)

Mulholland Drive is one of the most elegant and sophisticated films this century has yet seen. In brief it is about two young women in Los Angeles caught up in a murder mystery and how they try uncover what really went on. However, in the end it is not what really happened that matters, but what the people are like inside, how they relate to each other and what they aspire to be. This is where the true mastery of the film making lies - built on the brilliant directing of Lynch and the fantastic acting of Watts and Harman.
Just to pick up on a couple of points which people seem not to have mentioned before. This film is about how people relate to each other and especially so in a relationship. At the beginning Betty is strong and sure of herself and helps the vulnerable Rita solve her problems. But by the end the roles have swapped over - but the reasons for it are quite unexpected. Both Watts and Harman create this complicated character and relationship change in a most convincing way. They receive my highest commendation for their work in this film.
As many people have already mentioned, Mulholland Drive has some plot twists that leave people very confused since they are not spelt out. However, even if you accept the standard twist and can get some meaning out of the film, there is much more to be enjoyed. In Mulholland Drive the film grips you because it communicates non-verbally and on a subconcious level. It does not matter if there are twists in this film or if there are none. What we have here is elegant story telling that goes beyond words and simple plots, it works somewhere deep in our feelings, combining beautiful shots with illogical day-to-day routines. Submitting your attention to this film is like taking a journey into a beautiful and terrifying dream. It is this essence of the film that can make you watch it again and again without ever getting bored. Go along with the ride, don't resist the incomprehensible logic, and I guarantee you won't be dissapointed.