In Defense of David Lynch

Rating: Null/10 (19 May 2002)

I am a huge David Lynch fan, so my opinion may be considered by some to be biased. I feel his only disaster was the second season of Twin Peaks, when the plot twists became too much for even the most avid anilizer of plots or just people who like to have themselves kept guessing to enjoy. That said, I feel that there is too much debate over what Mulholland Drive is or isn't about, or if it has a clear storyline. I have definite ideas of what the film portrays, and I believe there is more than one idea being portrayed in the Movie. I saw the film in the theater, and frankly was left very pleased but thoroughly baffled. I bought the DVD and have watched it 3 times. I even tried to cheat and use David Lynch's 10 clues for unlocking this film. The truth is, I still don't know exactly what the movie is about, but I actually enjoy it more each time I watch it and think I figure out a bit more of the meaning each time as well. Now my main point. For those who criticize David Lynch for being to "weird" or "bizarre" or "too full of himself" or whatever, I say this: In my opinion, this is a Directorial piece of brilliance. This story is spooky, touching, and symbolic. Lynch brings out depth rarely seen in the charachters of many movies. He challenges the viewer to think for themselves, draw their own conclusions, and most importantly does not spoon feed us. This film is clearly not for those who think only in terms of logic. But, to me, therein lies some of the beauty of this film.
I believe David Lynch should have won the Oscar for Best Director. Maybe some of those who read this will just laugh and shake their heads at my comments. But know this: I have never been on a website where people discuss their views on movies, much less posted my own opinions. After watching Mulholland Drive again this evening, I felt I had to at least read what other people have to say about it. This film compelled me to do this. That not only says alot about the film, but about the man who directed it.