Summary
- Longlegs
is a breakout success with moody cinematography and a terrifying performance from Nicolas Cage as the titular monster. - Longlegs
sets itself apart by incorporating the supernatural element, making it feel distinct from other serial killer films. - Like
Twin Peaks
,
Longlegs
delves into the nature of evil and features characters who embody light and darkness in a battle against each other.
As a long-time fan of David Lynch’s surreal and atmospheric storytelling, I was immediately drawn to the chilling and enigmatic world of “Longlegs.” Having grown up watching “Twin Peaks,” I could not help but notice the striking similarities between the two works.
Spoiler alert: Spoilers follow for LonglegsIt’s hard to remember a recent film with the level of unexpected breakout success as Longlegs. Oz Perkins’ latest is every bit as creepy and unsettling as the early hype promised, thanks to its moody cinematography and a truly terrifying turn from Nicolas Cage as the titular monster. Reviews have rightfully made comparisons to The Silence of the Lambs, given that both films center on a young FBI agent on the trail of a serial killer and on a quest that puts her through an emotional gauntlet and forces her to stare into the heart of darkness.
Although the comparisons to other Hannibal Lecter adaptations are fitting, Longlegs stands out on its own. Its unique use of the supernatural sets it apart. In essence, Longlegs‘s strong occult symbolism and Cage’s captivating performance make it more akin to David Lynch’s acclaimed series, Twin Peaks, than Theodore Boone’s “The Silence of the Lambs.”
Longlegs and Twin Peaks Show Darkness in the Everyday
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As a gamer, I’d say this: Twin Peaks stood out from the crowd of police procedurals back in the day because it didn’t rush to solve the murder right away. Instead, FBI Agent Cooper and I hit dead ends left and right, which allowed the storyline to delve deeper into how Laura Palmer’s tragic death affected the entire town. Contrary to popular belief, Twin Peaks wasn’t just about cracking a case; it was an exploration of how the seemingly idyllic suburban community hid a multitude of dark secrets.
Laura Palmer’s image as an innocent girl beloved by her friends and family was far from the truth. The prequel film “Fire Walk With Me” revealed that she hid a dark secret, engaging in prostitution, drug use, and being a victim of sexual assault. This discovery challenged the assumption that the town’s peaceful facade was to blame for her death as much as the actual killer. The juxtaposition between the town’s tranquil exterior and its hidden darkness became even more evident when it was revealed that Laura’s seemingly kind and respected father, Leland Palmer, was her murderer.
The character of Longlegs in this story underscores the contrast between good and evil in an unconventional way. Rather than relying heavily on its plotline or setting, it delves deep into the development of its characters. For instance, we learn that the titular antagonist had planned to harm protagonist Lee Harker when she was young. However, her mother, brilliantly portrayed by Alicia Witt, struck a deal with him to save her daughter’s life. This arrangement allowed Ruth to carry out his evil deeds while Lee lived a seemingly normal childhood. Much of the film explores Lee’s journey in accepting and understanding her dark past.
Discovering that Ruth works for Longlegs adds depth to the film by allowing it to explore the hidden dangers lurking within societal structures. By posing as a nun delivering religious artifacts, Ruth exploits people’s trust in religion to distribute Longlegs’ demonic dolls unnoticed. This twist raises the film above typical serial killer thrillers and infuses it with a supernatural element.
Longlegs Is About the Nature of Evil
The other way Longlegs feels reminiscent of David Lynch’s filmography, particularly Twin Peaks, is how it explores the nature of evil and its omnipresence in the world. Twin Peaks actually metamorphosed into a more supernatural show by necessity; while David Lynch never intended to reveal Laura Palmer’s murderer, ABC forced his hand, and he eventually relented. But he added a genre shift to the revelations — while Leland Palmer was the culprit, he was actually possessed by a malicious interdimensional entity only known as BOB. His presence set the stage for the show to shift into a modern battle between the forces of good and evil, at least until it was abruptly canceled due to low ratings.
As a devoted fan, I’d describe it this way: In the intriguing world of Twin Peaks, BOB was the epitome of suffering and misery, an embodiment of darkness. Yet, there was a beacon of hope in the form of Dale Cooper. Though he had his eccentricities, Cooper stood out as Lynch’s most compelling representation of common decency and moral compass. His spiritual side shone through when BOB manipulated Leland into taking his own life, prompting Cooper to recite a Buddhist prayer for the deceased, allowing him a peaceful departure from this world. The contrast between these characters representing good and evil became even more vivid in the series finale as they clashed in the enigmatic Black Lodge.
The enigmatic title character in “Longlegs,” portrayed brilliantly by Nicolas Cage, instills terror beyond his acting skills. His otherworldliness sets him apart, giving an unsettling feeling before his supernatural background is disclosed. He exudes a sense of being fundamentally wrong, embodying the very notion of evil in its purest form. This becomes even more evident after his death around the hour mark, as Ruth keeps him alive through spirit and persists in spreading discord throughout the town.
During the film, Lee Harker serves as a representation for both Laura Palmer and Dale Cooper in several aspects. Similar to Laura, she is a character who has experienced great emotional turmoil and is determined not to let her past control her. Her moral compass, however, may not be as straightforward as it seems from the film’s perspective. In addition, much like Dale Cooper, Lee is the moral compass of “Longlegs,” relentlessly pursuing what she believes in, even if it leads her to confront evil head-on.
Longlegs and Twin Peaks Are Impeccable in Their Atmosphere
Although the likenesses between Longlegs and Twin Peaks may not be identical, they possess a significant commonality, which is their most striking feature – the ambiance. Twin Peaks gained such a massive following because it was unlike any other police procedural on television; its distinctive tone and supernatural elements made it seem as if anything was possible.
The film “Longlegs” starts off with a grounded and realistic tone, but as it progresses, it morphs into an otherworldly thriller, leaving viewers with a sense of excitement and wonder. Witnessing this metamorphosis unfold piece by piece is a significant source of pleasure while watching the movie, contributing to its well-deserved acclaim. “Longlegs” is currently showing in cinemas across the country. Meanwhile, you can stream “Twin Peaks” on Paramount+.
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2024-07-21 02:31