This puzzle box has a key...

Rating: 10/10 (28 October 2001)

So 'just stop for a little second and think about it. Will ya do that for me?'
Seriously, work on it for a little bit in your head after the movie's over, you won't be frustrated. Everything you need is there and on film. The mystery is not as pointless as some would have you believe.
I absolutely loved this . I saw it for the second time tonight... it's even better the second time, when you know what to look for. Several critics have said as much. It appears some are finally starting to get where Lynch is coming from. Roger Ebert gave it a thumbs up... what a shock!
The sound and music elements of the film actually made my pulse race in certain scenes, even if I knew exactly what was coming. This second viewing, I was able to keep track of little things like that. Definitely see this on the big screen if you have the opportunity. Rebekah del Rio's performance of "Llorando" is nothing short of heart-stopping, well worth the price of admission on its own. Lynch and Badalamenti show us once again they are an auditory dream team.
Naomi Watts gives an incredible performance as Betty/Diane... and while not everything was revealed to her when they were shooting (Lynch acknowledges that a certain power in the story is lost when the actors know everything going in), in interviews it appears she has nailed both the movie and her character as to what it all means. Laura Harring is haunting as the luminous "Rita", more than a perfect fit for the role.
In short, a puzzle box on film, apparently more accessible to the general public than Lost Highway (another puzzle box with a key!), quite a breath of fresh air this year. Good to see Lynch back in familiar territory. If, after reading what others have written about the film, you're still flummoxed, reply privately to me.