One word that undoubtedly defines David Lynch's filmography is "weird."
As a renowned director with over 50 years of experience in both film and television, Lynch possesses a distinct and unmistakable style that sets his work apart. The term "Lynchian" has even emerged to encapsulate his signature aesthetic, characterising films that exude a dreamlike, surreal, enigmatic, and occasionally unsettling atmosphere.
Blue Velvet is filled with numerous unsettling moments, largely propelled by Dennis Hopper's chilling portrayal of the detestable Frank Booth, a character immortalised in cinematic history as one of the most iconic villains. Yet, for those who can navigate past its disturbing facets, Blue Velvet emerges as a relatively straightforward (by Lynchian standards) crime thriller, with a narrative that's far less convoluted than Lynch's more unconventional works. As a neo-noir offering, the film flirts with Lynch's characteristic surrealism at certain junctures. However, at its core, it presents a coherent storyline revolving around a young man entangled with a nightclub singer and a host of dubious characters involved in the kidnapping of her child. While Blue Velvet may be unsettling rather than outright bizarre, viewers prepared for its violent and disconcerting content are likely to find themselves following the narrative without much difficulty.
Lost Highway marks the juncture where things take a sharp turn into the realm of the bizarre and distinctly Lynchian. This enigmatic mystery-thriller exudes a perpetually unsettling and nightmarish ambiance, woven into a complex of murder, blackmail, doppelgängers, and the enigmatic presence of the Mystery Man, who holds an uncanny sway over the film's protagonist. With Lost Highway, it's advisable to simply surrender to its enigmatic currents and refrain from overly scrutinising its meaning. While it may not neatly fit into the horror genre, its eerie atmosphere has the potential to haunt the subconscious. Despite its brisk pace and visually inventive style, it manages to remain engaging, making it relatively accessible, all things considered. Nevertheless, Lost Highway signals the beginning of Lynch's body of work, exploring narratives that resist easy summarization.
Throughout a significant portion of Mulholland Drive, the narrative maintains a semblance of coherence, contributing to its status as one of David Lynch's most celebrated and esteemed works. Initially, the storyline predominantly revolves around two central characters: an aspiring actress and a mysterious amnesiac, whose relationship evolves into a close bond as the former assists the latter in uncovering her true identity. Starting as a straightforward narrative, Mulholland Drive evolves into a complex web, exceeding expectations. Though occasionally unconventional, these divergent moments provide unique entertainment. The film's climax takes a surreal turn, amplifying the dreamlike atmosphere with intentional illogicality. With a discernible method, it avoids arbitrary elements for their own sake. Nevertheless, many viewers may find themselves thoroughly perplexed after a single viewing of Mulholland Drive.
A cinematic continuation of the first two seasons of Twin Peaks, Fire Walk With Me stands out as one of David Lynch's most daring, exceptional, and uncompromising works. Oscillating between poignant family drama and genuinely nightmarish sequences, the film primarily explores the tumultuous final days of Laura Palmer's life. While seamlessly complementing the iconic television series, Fire Walk With Me ventures into significantly darker territory. The straightforward segments devoid of dreamlike or eerie imagery are profoundly unsettling in their own right, amplifying the film's overall intensity. When juxtaposed with its horror elements, these scenes contribute to the challenging nature of Fire Walk With Me as a viewing experience. Additionally, the film incorporates numerous enigmatic and inexplicable moments, including a memorable cameo by David Bowie, particularly prominent within its opening half-hour.
Lynch's films span a spectrum of peculiarities; while some maintain a semblance of normalcy, albeit with unconventional touches, others rank among the most eccentric mainstream releases, characterised by unconventional themes, execution, and unexpected narrative trajectories. Undoubtedly, the strangest David Lynch movies feature surreal imagery, tonal shifts, and unpredictable storytelling, often blending these elements into a uniquely Lynchian territory.