David Lynch's unique and unique and captivating style of storytelling has made him one of the most influential and renowned filmmakers of all time. His creations, which defy easy description, have such a distinctive style that they earned the adjective “Lynchian.” Only a few artists can receive such an honor.
News of his recent passing this year has deeply affected those inspired and moved by his work. Even so, Lynch achieved what many filmmakers aspire to: becoming a legendary artist whose legacy remains undeniable. Here are some of his most notable works that continue to showcase his genius.
Twin Peaks (1990-2017)
Twin Peaks is a television series that was revolutionary for its time, and among the franchises that defined David Lynch’s career. The show is best described as a blend of surrealism and realistic characters who possess both good and evil intentions, much like how modern television portrays morally ambiguous individuals.
The show, co-created by Mark Frost, ran for two seasons on ABC. It begins as a crime mystery following FBI agent Dale Cooper’s investigation into the murder of homecoming queen Laura Palmer. Subsequently, the series expanded with a prequel film, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, which centers on high schooler Laura Palmer’s life leading up to her tragic death.
In 2017, Showtime brought the series back with Twin Peaks: The Return, the final installment of the show, which is often considered the best of the three. That being said, each installment is regarded as exceptional in its own way and can be appreciated independently without relying on the others.
Eraserhead (1977)
David Lynch’s first-ever film, produced on a minimal budget, Eraserhead tells the story of Henry Spencer and his troubled relationship with his girlfriend, along with their child, who is born with lizard-like features.
The film stands as living proof that some bizarre art can initially be hated, misunderstood, and underappreciated. However, over time, it gained admiration and became a cult classic. It is also known for prompting viewers to walk out of theaters, as many found its body horror elements too disturbing to handle.
Eraserhead presents an atmospheric and industrial world where life appears bleak, with characters who seem both shell-shocked and empty, as if they’ve endured hardships far beyond their capacity.
Wild At Heart (1990)
David Lynch’s Wild at Heart stars Nicolas Cage as Sailor Ripley, whose chaotic antics after being released from prison are accompanied by his lover, Lula Fortune, portrayed by Laura Dern.
With its hilarious dialogue and energetic characters, one might assume it stands apart from Lynch’s other works. However, the characters’ lines and the movie’s unexpected twists undeniably carry his signature style.
Wild at Heart captures the essence of a wild road trip where everyone seems determined to ruin the fun, all while drawing heavy inspiration from Victor Fleming’s The Wizard of Oz. While it may not be a favorite for many viewers and critics, the film’s Palme d’Or win at the Cannes Film Festival speaks volumes about its unconventional and campy charm.
Lost Highway (1997)
Released in 1997, Lost Highway initially did not receive as much praise or recognition as some of David Lynch’s other works. Underrated as it may have been, its callbacks to noir — combined with an incredible soundtrack, bleak and ominous themes, and morally complex leads — brought renewed interest to the LA-inspired genre.
The film focuses on Fred, a musician charged with murdering his wife after suspecting her of infidelity. While on death row, he begins fantasizing about being another man, Pete Dayton — a younger, more stereotypically "masculine" figure, known for his expertise with women and cars. This highlights the film's exploration of toxic masculinity and the loss of Fred’s sense of identity, portrayed through his hallucinations.
Lost Highway is part of Lynch’s LA trilogy, which also includes Inland Empire and Mulholland Drive. These films are renowned for their enigmatic elements that often leave audiences puzzled and prompt them to revisit the films multiple times to piece together their meanings.
Inland Empire (2006)
Among Lynch’s films with unsettling, dream-like sequences, Inland Empire is remarkable for delivering the most scenes that leave viewers questioning the true meaning of the movie. Like Lost Highway, it invites multiple viewings to uncover the many details that may go unnoticed the first time around.
At its core, the film follows actress Nikki Grace (Laura Dern) and her experiences while playing the role of Susan Blue. As Nikki’s perception of reality grows increasingly surreal, mysterious creatures begin to appear, and she struggles to determine whether she is still sane — just as Lynch intends for audiences to feel.
Inland Empire is David Lynch’s final movie. It is not only remembered for its story, cinematography, or Dern’s performance but also for its experimental approach. Filming began without a script, and Lynch used a low-quality, inexpensive camera for his shots. The film bears the director’s signature style throughout, as he personally handled most aspects of its production from start to finish.
Mulholland Drive (2001)
David Lynch’s love for Los Angeles and Hollywood has never been more evident than in the 2001 film Mulholland Drive. While it shares themes with Inland Empire and Lost Highway, Mulholland Drive elevates them with beautiful visuals that linger in the mind.
Widely regarded as one of Lynch’s finest works, the film follows Betty Elms (Naomi Watts), an aspiring actress who meets Rita (Laura Harring), a woman suffering from amnesia after a car accident. As they attempt to uncover Rita’s past, strange events unfold, and surreal scenes emerge, giving viewers the sensation of experiencing a dream, all in true Lynchian style.
Mulholland Drive draws audiences into the dazzling and seemingly glamorous world of Hollywood, only to reveal the harsh and unsettling reality beneath the surface. The film is also famous for a jumpscare scene that continues to startle viewers, no matter how many times they watch it.
Blue Velvet (1986)
When it comes to exposing the dark side of the American dream, few films do it better than Blue Velvet. This neo-noir psychological thriller follows college student Jeffrey Beaumont (Kyle MacLachlan), who stumbles upon a severed ear, drawing him into a web of intrigue involving Sandy Williams (Laura Dern), the daughter of a police detective.
As Jeffrey and Sandy dig deeper into the mystery of the severed ear, the grotesque underbelly of their seemingly idyllic suburban world is revealed. Blue Velvet takes audiences on a rollercoaster of emotions, shifting from lighthearted humor to brutal, unsettling moments in ways that keep viewers guessing when the frightening scenes will unfold.
The film’s screenplay initially circulated during its early production due to its graphic and controversial content. While it received mixed reactions upon release, it later became one of David Lynch’s most iconic and influential works.