Stream David Lynch’s Iconic Films for Free After His Passing!

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After the passing of visionary director David Lynch, a selection of his films (as well as documentaries about him) are now available to stream for free and without ads on platforms such as Kanopy and The Criterion Channel. On Kanopy, you can watch classics like “Eraserhead” and “Lost Highway,” along with the intriguing documentary “Lynch/Oz,” which delves into Lynch’s lifelong fascination with “The Wizard of Oz” and its impact on him. The Criterion Channel, on the other hand, is offering a free stream of the most introspective documentary ever made about the filmmaker, “David Lynch: The Art Life.

Spanning two decades apart, “Eraserhead” from 1977 and “The Lost Highway” from 1997 are among David Lynch’s most cryptic films. While “Eraserhead” initially garnered cult status, “The Lost Highway,” which faced numerous setbacks initially, has grown in appreciation over time. Originally serving as Lynch’s debut feature film following a decade of boundary-testing shorts, “Eraserhead” translates those experimental short films into a chilling full-length narrative about a new father navigating a post-industrial nightmare world. Renowned for its revolutionary sound design and disturbing visuals, the film has become a mainstay in late-night cinema and a significant influence on horror movies worldwide. Though perplexing to many, it is often interpreted as an allegory for abortion, parenthood, or the American dream; regardless of its meaning, it remains indelible.

The movie titled Lost Highway might be more comprehensible, but it’s undeniably peculiar. In several aspects, it paved the way for Mulholland Drive, as it delves into how a shocking, violent incident disintegrates a person’s consciousness, dividing it between the tangible reality and a surreal dreamscape. The narrative begins with a jazz musician (Bill Pullman), who is wrongfully accused of murdering his wife (Patricia Arquette). However, the next day, an entirely distinct individual (Balthazar Getty) occupies his prison cell. Upon his release, he becomes infatuated with a gangster’s wife (again played by Arquette), which in turn leads to numerous complications. The film boasts one of the most impressive soundtracks from the ’90s, featuring original songs from artists such as David Bowie, Nine Inch Nails, Lou Reed, Marilyn Manson, and more.

Perceptive Documentaries About David Lynch

As a movie enthusiast, I’d express it this way: Experiencing both Lynch/Oz and David Lynch: The Art Life offers two unique perspectives on the enigmatic filmmaker. The first, Lynch/Oz, delves deep into his work, weaving together insights about its ties to The Wizard of Oz, fantasy, duality, Hollywood, and troubled women. On the other hand, The Art Life is a more traditional documentary that provides a glimpse into Lynch’s personal life while also offering a peek at him at home as he paints and sculpts. He shares his thoughts on his art, career, and the essence of being an artist. For Lynch, “the art life” is about savoring simple pleasures like drinking coffee, smoking cigarettes, and creating art, and that’s all there is to it.

Two exceptional documentaries from 2007 and 2008, namely LYNCH and LYNCH2, might be the finest films chronicling the life of the filmmaker. These movies, directed by the enigmatic artist known as blackANDwhite, offer unparalleled insights into Lynch as he crafts his final feature film, Inland Empire. Employing a non-linear, abstract narrative style (leading some to believe that blackANDwhite was actually Lynch himself), these documentaries capture the essence of being in David’s presence – the ideas he provokes – the paths your creativity is inspired to take. As blackANDwhite shared with Filmmaker Magazine, “it evokes the feeling of what it was like to be around David – the thoughts that he makes you think – the avenues your creativity goes down.

In 2007, I caught a glimpse of “LYNCH” during its debut at the Minneapolis Film Festival, and it seemed like unveiling a hidden truth. It’s incredibly intimate, serving as a deep contemplation on Lynch’s creative journey, making it an indispensable piece for enthusiasts of this director. The films “LYNCH” and “LYNCH2” can be found among the extensive extras in The Criterion Collection’s comprehensive edition of “Inland Empire”.

You can discover movies such as “Lost Highway,” “Eraserhead,” and “Lynch/Oz” on Kanopy. This platform offers a variety of films and content at no cost, with no advertisements, simply by using your public library card or university login. To access Kanopy, download the app or visit their website, Kanopy.com. Meanwhile, you can stream “David Lynch: The Art Life” for free on The Criterion Channel.

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2025-01-19 22:04