David Lynch
By
User:AllieCashel @timeAndDate(1276628070)
Having a film style named after yourself would be a monumental achievement for any budding director. For David Lynch however, the fact that "Lynchian" film-making is easily recognizable and acknowledged among the vast majority of his peers marks only one of his many achievements in the film making industry. Lynch's unconventional approach to narrative film making, nightmarish images, and scrupulous sound editing have all become trademarks of his unique and critically acclaimed films. Although his films are typically disturbing and not appropriate for all audiences, they each are meant for more than just entertainment: they're pieces of art. Named by ''The Guardian'' in 2007 as "the most important director of this era," David Lynch and his films should never be overlooked.
Popular David Lynch Films
'''The Elephant Man''' - This 1980 film follows a London surgeon who meets a deformed man traveling with the Victorian Freak Show and attempts to bring him into his hospital to take care of him. It explores themes of prejudice and judgment within humanity as well as the horrible effects of those social stereotypes. Recognized as a critical and commercial success (the film was recognized with eight nominations at the Oscars that year) this touching story is filled with Lynch's signature style and imagery and is arguably one of Lynch's strongest films. As with most of his films, prepare yourself for an emotional roller coaster before you watch, and once you do, you'll never forget this intense experience this film provides.
'''Blue Velvet''' sexual brutality was a little to disturbing for many members of the American public. That said, if you are prepared to be disturbed, this horrifying masterpiece will shock, move, and inspire you and is a perfect example of one of the most unique and influential styles of American film making today.
'''Mullholland Drive''' - Lynch was recognized at the Oscars with a Best Director nomination and and at the Cannes Film Festival with a Best Director award for his work with this psychological thriller. It examines Los Angeles' material, voyeuristic, selfish characteristics through a lens only Lynch seems able to create. Filled with all of his memorable images, sounds, and style but not as disturbing as some of his other films, watching this film is a great way to ease yourself into Lynch's dark and impressive world of film making.
'''The Straight Story''' - This 1999 short film is based on the true story of Alvin Straight, an elderly World War II veteran who is determined to go visit his dying brother and journeys across Iowa and Wisconsin on a lawnmower. It brings back the themes of exploring American small towns (like we saw in ''Blue Velvet'') without the severely disturbing edge he used before. It's considered to be an impressively accurate representation of a portion of the American population and provides interesting insight into both the inner workings of the individual mind and of society. Praised by the critics and by the public, this interesting film should not be missed.
''' Inland Empire''' - Lynch's most recent film and his first feature length film since Mullholland Drive, this 2006 psychological thriller tries your patience but ultimately leaves you satisfied. Incredibly visually stimulating but also three hours long, this film tells the story of an adulterous white trash Southerner and an actress named Nicki who looses her mind, and the intertwining of their lives. The film is incredibly confusing at times, but is an ambitious and ultimately successful depiction of the unique Lynchian Style.
* Some other popular Lych films include ''Eraserhead, Dune, Wild at Heart, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me,'' and ''Lost Highway''.
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