The Cinema of David Lynch : American Dreams, Nightmare Visions

Directors' Cuts

by Erica Sheen (Editor), Annette Davison (Editor)

David Lynch is an anomaly. A pioneer of the American 'indie' aesthetic, he also works in Hollywood and for network TV. He has created some of the most disturbing images in contemporary cinema, and produced startlingly innovative work in sound. If the consistency of his 'vision' suggests he might be approached as an auteur, defining that vision raises many questions. The essays in this collection push toward a fuller account of the cultural and technological contexts within which his works developed during the 1980s and 1990s, and of his intense engagement with the creative and working practices of the industry. They offer an up-to-date range of theoretically divergent readings that demonstrates not only the difficulty of locating stable interpretative positions for Lynch's work, but also the pleasure of finding new ways of thinking about it. Films discussed include Blue Velvet, Wild at Heart, The Straight Story, and Mulholland Drive.

Genres: Film, Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2003

Reviews

[Jeremy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one took me back to my college days. Too dry for my taste, and I admit that much of it went over my head. Thankfully the book was saved in the end by the final essay by Martha Nochimson which was quite exciting and accessible. Looking forward to reading her book "David Lynch Swerves."

[Richard H · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
These very academic Directors' Cuts books can be a struggle to read sometimes, but also very insightful.
I still have one to read on John Carpenter, but I want to wait a year or so before delving into this style of writing again.

[David]

I suppose that I should read my signed copy (David Lynch's signature, that is) some time, along with the other books about or by him that are signed. Oh, and I should watch that signed Mulholland Dr. DVD sometime again.

[Leif · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good collection of Lynchian criticism, modern and theoretical.