In the pilot episode of Twin Peaks, David Lynch masterfully captures the mundane rhythm of everyday life in a high school setting. The scene begins with a schoolgirl sneaking a smoke, a boy being summoned to the principal's office, and a teacher taking attendance. This normalcy is shattered when a police officer enters the classroom and whispers to the teacher. A scream pierces the air, and through the window, a student is seen sprinting across the courtyard. The teacher struggles to hold back tears, signaling an impending announcement. Lynch's camera then focuses on an empty seat in the middle of the classroom, as two students exchange a knowing glance, realizing their friend Laura Palmer is dead.
Lynch's work is renowned for its attention to surface-level details, yet he always delves deeper, uncovering the unsettling undercurrents beneath. This scene from Twin Peaks encapsulates the thematic essence of his career, highlighting the contrast between normalcy and the hidden darkness. However, it's just one of many iconic moments in Lynch's extensive body of work spanning over four decades. Each fan might have a different scene they consider quintessentially "Lynchian," reflecting the diverse appeal of his singular artistic vision.
The term "Lynchian" captures that elusive, dream-like quality that defines Lynch's work. It's an adjective reserved for a select few artists whose influence transcends their specific works, much like "Kafkaesque." Lynch's ability to evoke a sense of unease and surrealism has cemented his status as a legendary filmmaker.
For budding film enthusiasts, watching Lynch's Eraserhead is a rite of passage. This tradition continued when Scott's teenage son, alongside his girlfriend, independently began binge-watching Twin Peaks, reaching the Windom Earle era of Season 2. Lynch's timeless appeal lies in his unique blend of the odd and the unsettling, as evident in Twin Peaks: The Return (2017). Here, a child's bedroom is styled like a 1956 cowboy room, yet exists within a bizarre universe involving clones and otherworldly violence.
Despite the Hollywood trend of reviving nostalgic content, Lynch's Twin Peaks: The Return defied conventions by not reintroducing key characters from the original series, maintaining his signature unpredictability. His foray into mainstream cinema with Dune was a notable departure, yet it retained his distinctive style, even when credited to Alan Smithee. For a deeper understanding of Lynch's experience with Dune, one can refer to Max Evry's book, A Masterpiece in Disarray.
Lynch's second feature, The Elephant Man, approached mainstream appeal but retained his signature unsettling touch, set in a time of sideshow exploitation. His work defies categorization, yet his films are unmistakably his own, blending darkness, humor, surrealism, and genuine strangeness.
Blue Velvet exemplifies Lynch's ability to peel back the veneer of suburban America, revealing a darker, surreal underbelly. The film's exploration of a seemingly idyllic setting contrasts sharply with the criminal underworld it uncovers. Lynch's films often draw from influences like The Wizard of Oz, showcasing a surrealism that is both unique and influential.
Lynch's influence extends to contemporary filmmakers. Jane Schoenbrun's I Saw The TV Glow (2024) features a scene that echoes Lynch's style, inspired by Twin Peaks. Other directors like Yorgos Lanthimos, Robert Eggers, Ari Aster, David Robert Mitchell, Emerald Fennell, Richard Kelly, Rose Glass, Quentin Tarantino, and Denis Villeneuve have all drawn from Lynch's well of surrealism and otherworldliness.
David Lynch's legacy is not just in his films but in the influence he exerts on future generations of filmmakers. His work invites viewers to look beyond the surface, searching for the "Lynchian" elements that lurk just out of sight. As we continue to explore cinema, Lynch's impact remains a touchstone for those seeking to capture the unsettling beauty of the world beneath.
