Twin Peaks: Unwrapping the Plastic

by Franck Boulegue, David Bushman (Foreword)

Few contemporary television shows have been subjected to the critical scrutiny that has been brought to bear on David Lynch and Mark Frost’s Twin Peaks since its debut in 1990.Yet the series, and the subsequent film, Fire Walk With Me, are sufficiently rich that it’s always possible for a close analysis to offer something new—and that’s what Franck Boulègue has done with Twin Peaks: Unwrapping the Plastic. Through Boulègue’s eyes, we see for the first time the world of Twin Peaks as a coherent whole, one that draws on a wide range of cultural source material, including surrealism, transcendental meditation, Jungian psychoanalysis, mythology, fairy tales, and much, much more. The work of a scholar who is also a fan, the book should appeal to any hardcore Twin Peaks viewer.
 

Genres: Nonfiction

182 pages, Paperback

Published January 15, 2017

Reviews

[Joel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two and a half stars.

I recommend this book to first-year arts/film students as it quickly introduces cultural reference points that connect to a variety of artefacts beyond the book's immediate concern, Twin Peaks. Unfortunately the author appears to draw a long bow when connecting things specifically to Twin Peaks, makes assumptions about the intent of Lynch and Frost, and tries too hard to interpret things which are more likely than not simply chance occurrences. Furthermore, the writing style is tedious, with the author frequently trying to add flourishes with puns and show references, where simpler language would suffice. The pacing and structure made this book a bit of a chore to read, though all in all, I am still interested to read the author's other works on Tim Burton, Chris Marker and the Coen Brothers. For those interested in deep analysis of Lynch's work, I highly recommend Todd McGowan's The Impossible David Lynch.

[Michael Allhands · Rating 2 out of 5]

An analysis of Twin Peaks though and extremely academic lens. There are some interesting insights here, but it can be a bit of tough sledding to get through.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of the three critical readings of Twin Peaks that I've read, this one gets most into what Twin Peaks actually means. While other authors apply their own lenses, Boulegue asks what Lynch and Frost know, believe, and intend to communicate. I especially enjoyed the analysis pertaining to Transcendental Meditation and clowns.

Read this book if you'd like a broad discussion of the many ideas and images that go into twin peaks, including surrealist art, psychotherapy, fairy tales, and mirrors.

I am continually disappointed in the misunderstanding of David Duchovny's character, Denise Bryson. I believe that Twin Peaks is in need of a real, queer critical reading--not one that interprets Agent Bryson as a symbol of masking, doubling, or disguise.

One thing I'm thinking about that doesn't bear on my review: why, in all of these writings about doubling and twinning, is there nothing about the 'twinning' of Mike/Bobby and MIKE/BOB? Additionally, I find another doubling in these characters. As soon as Bobby and Laura's relationship is severed (through Laura's murder), Donna and Mike rarely see one another. How do their relationships serve as a mirror to the other couple's? How does this play into Donna's doubling with Laura (via her adoption of the femme fatale personality and her infatuation with James)? I think this probably says something about compulsory heterosexuality and imitation forming gender in teenage years.

[Neil R. Coulter · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was hoping for something really good, but, like almost every book I've read about Twin Peaks, this is another one that's just okay. The writing style is poor, and very repetitive.

But the big problem is focus. Rather than each chapter being a clear, focused essay that enlightens the reader on a particular aspect of Twin Peaks, the chapters read like first-draft sketches. They are interesting in an "If you like Twin Peaks, you should check out _____" sort of way (for example, I was reminded that I've wanted to watch more films by Jean Cocteau). But it's not enough for a serious academic essay. Sure, Twin Peaks is kind of like a whole lot of other things that came before it ("Twin Peaks has a room with red curtains, and this movie also had a room with red curtains!"), and of course the writings of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi are sufficiently general to apply to just about anything, but this kind of free-association writing isn't very satisfying.

This is a book that will likely provide dissertation topics to a number of doctoral students; and I hope some of those dissertations rise above the level of this book.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really hope the author writes an edition to cover Twin Peaks: The Return. As someone who has only watched the original series once, this book was a great resource for helping me better understand the world of Twin Peaks and improved my viewing of Twin Peaks: The Return.

[Christian Holub · Rating 3 out of 5]

Niche subject and even more specific take on that material, but I love all the connections it drew and how it rooted creative insights in textual evidence. Definitely gave me ideas for other cool movies and books to check out.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some very intriguing comparisons with Max Ernst, and some sustained thinking through the Lodges.
A useful addition to TP scholarly works!

[Alanna L.P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve read this year. A must read for any Twin Peaks fan!

[Willsy Waites · Rating 2 out of 5]

Weak coffee