Lynchian

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American filmmaker extraordinaire David Lynch departed on January 15, 2025, stirring worldwide tributes as people recalled his significant artistic impact. From groundbreaking films such as “Eraserhead” (1977), “Blue Velvet” (1986), and “Mulholland Drive” (2001) to cherished television series like “Twin Peaks”, Lynch’s work was so unique it necessitated a term – “Lynchian” – to define its surreal, dreamlike quality. To explain what it means for something to be “Lynchian,” let’s delve into this master auteur’s distinctive style.

So, What Does “Lynchian” Really Mean?

David Lynch created an artistic philosophy that transcends any particular technical style, but his unique touches, such as extensive use of silence and the macabre intermingling with the mundane, are distinctly his own. The essence of Lynch’s work is often referred to as “Lynchian,” which the Urban Dictionary defines as “balancing the macabre and mundane in a way reminiscent of filmmaker David Lynch’s works.” The juxtaposition between ordinary and extraordinary events is central to understanding what makes something Lynchian, as it can be found in both strange occurrences happening within everyday settings or normal events unfolding in unusual circumstances.

Lynch’s films often portray ordinary life, yet they are also strikingly unusual. The term “absurd” was first used to describe his work after the release of the movie Blue Velvet, which starts with a bizarre discovery – a severed ear in a tranquil suburban neighborhood. This unexpected beginning leads to a plot that combines humor with discomfort, silliness with seriousness, and presents situations that are both plausible and fantastical.

In a nutshell, there’s a great deal of irony embedded within things that resemble the style of director David Lynch. However, “Lynchian” is one of those broad terms that can take on numerous interpretations, making it easy for people to use casually when trying to appear knowledgeable about cinema. Novelist and essayist David Foster Wallace wrote an essay on Lynch, stating that “Lynchian,” like words such as ‘postmodern’ or ‘pornographic,’ is difficult to define precisely; instead, we recognize it when we encounter it. So, what are some typical features of a Lynchian filmmaking style?

The works of David Lynch often contain a substantial amount of irony that can be challenging to pin down with words. “Lynchian” is an all-purpose term that people use when they want to sound intelligent about movies, but its meaning can vary widely. Novelist and essayist David Foster Wallace wrote an article on Lynch, explaining that “Lynchian,” like terms such as ‘postmodern’ or ‘pornographic,’ is hard to define precisely; instead, we know it when we see it. So, what are some common characteristics of a filmmaking style reminiscent of David Lynch?

It’s Not David Lynch if It’s Not Surreal

The unique quality of Lynch’s films is their dream-like ambiance, which has earned him the title of “the great American Surrealist” by Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian. Essentially, his movies exhibit a haunting, leisurely pacing. In other words, while their plots may seem illogical at times, they still manage to feel coherent and make sense, much like a dream. This peculiar characteristic is a defining feature of his work.

In Lynch’s movies, bizarre events occur within ordinary, recognizable settings. They capitalize on our subconscious to identify these surroundings and comprehend them, which proves effective. These films have a unique quality of being both relatable and utterly irrational. Frequently, they incorporate sudden shock moments or startling visuals for added impact. Watching a David Lynch film is an intense sensory journey. It’s no surprise that one of his major influences as a director was the classic tale The Wizard of Oz, a connection you can explore further in the documentary Lynch/Oz.

Morbidity and Americana

For those with a strong constitution, the vast majority of Lynch’s work is unusually dark. However, it’s important to note that this darkness often has a twisted sense of humor. Even light-hearted moments carry an undercurrent of grime and seedy undertones.

The image in the movie is a quintessential example of Lynch’s style. In fact, much of Eraserhead embodies this perfectly.

The eerie atmosphere of Twin Peaks remains consistent, with Lynch’s distinctive dark humor and propensity for tackling taboo topics being key elements that ardent Lynch fans appreciate. Notably, Lynch often explores the themes of Americana in his films, using them as a canvas to reveal the underlying darkness hidden within the “American dream.

Impact on Cinema

It takes an exceptional impact on society to earn an adjective named after you, and David Lynch definitely achieved this. His unique filmmaking techniques, such as the distinctive tracking shots, left a lasting imprint that can be seen in critically acclaimed series like The Sopranos. Furthermore, some believe that the trend of binge-watching television can be traced back to his groundbreaking work on Twin Peaks.

Many esteemed filmmakers have acknowledged Lynch’s significant impact on their work and careers, including Martin Scorsese, who described his work as “unlike anything that I or anyone else had ever seen – he made everything strange, eerie, enlightening, and fresh.” Other directors like Francis Ford Coppola, Mel Brooks, and more have recently recognized Lynch’s impact.

“The power and timelessness of his films never fails to impress.” (or “Lynch’s movies continue to captivate and remain relevant.”)

Furthermore, numerous actors and celebrities publicly expressed their grief for Lynch, among them Kyle MacLachlan, a longtime collaborator and friend who starred in several of his projects like “Blue Velvet” and the “Twin Peaks” series. It is evident that Lynch left an indelible mark on countless individuals, both on-screen and off, and his passing has left a colossal void in the film community. This loss can hardly be put into words to express the depth of our sorrow.

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2025-01-18 19:02