This 2015 article by David Thompson explores David Lynch's acclaimed 2001 film, Mulholland Drive. Delving into the film's themes of mystery, identity, and the allure and darkness of Hollywood, Thompson examines the film's enduring power and its impact on cinematic storytelling.
On January 16, 2025, the world mourned the loss of legendary director David Lynch at the age of 78. This 2015 article by film writer David Thompson delves into one of Lynch's most celebrated works, Mulholland Drive.Mulholland Drive, the name evokes the winding, twisting road that snakes along the mountain ridge north of Los Angeles, stretching nearly 50 miles from just northwest of downtown to the Pacific Ocean.
The road begins as a paved path but quickly transforms into dirt, making it treacherous for drivers due to its numerous blind curves. However, it's celebrated for its breathtaking views: the glittering cityscape of Los Angeles at night, resembling a vast display of neon jewelry; the dense and overheated San Fernando Valley, home to the adult film industry; the infinite expanse of the Pacific Ocean to the west; and occasionally, the dusty shimmer of the desert that separates Los Angeles from the rest of the United States.The road is lined with stately mansions, once inhabited by celebrities like Marlon Brando and Jack Nicholson, and abandoned shacks, remnants of past romances, drug deals, and gatherings of gangs like those associated with Charles Manson. Wildlife thrives along this route, with eagles, coyotes, feral cats, deer, snakes, and even wilder creatures encountered by those who venture down its path. This road is named after William Mulholland (1855–1935), the superintendent of water and power in Los Angeles, the engineer responsible for implementing the water transit plan that brought drinkable water and blue pools from the Owens Valley and the Sierra Nevada mountains to the city. This historical context underscores the themes explored in the film Chinatown.David Lynch's 2001 film, Mulholland Drive, received critical acclaim upon its release and has only gained in stature and reputation over time. Why? Primarily because it's a mystery film that deliberately avoids providing a resolution. Even its most ardent admirers are reluctant to offer explanations or endure attempts to unravel its complexities.Mulholland Drive presents a cinematic experience that embraces fatalism over closure. It's regarded as a monument to several aspects of the time, including the death and ghostly afterlife of the film industry, and the forlorn aspirations of countless beautiful women seeking to make it in Hollywood. The film's title, Mulholland Drive, can be interpreted as both a physical location and a metaphorical journey into dreams and illusions. Characters in the film often adopt multiple identities and personas, mirroring the fluid nature of reality itself. Those who appreciate Mulholland Drive might also find Ingmar Bergman's 1966 film Persona compelling, as it explores similar themes of identity fragmentation.The film introduces us to several intriguing characters, each embodying different facets of the Hollywood dream: Betty (Naomi Watts) arrives in Los Angeles from Deep River, Ontario, with dreams of becoming a movie star. She is strikingly beautiful, hopeful, and initially appears somewhat naive. This lack of conventional likability is intentional, as the film denies us the comfort of easily identifiable protagonists. Betty evokes classic Hollywood actresses like Betty Grable, Betty Bacall, and Bette Davis, each with their unique charms and complexities. The brunette (Laura Harring) is a captivating figure, radiating beauty, sensuality, and a hint of danger reminiscent of classic film noir. Involved in a car accident on Mulholland Drive at night, she suffers from amnesia and seeks refuge in an apartment complex. The ambiguity surrounding her past and identity fuels the film's mystery. Camilla Rhodes (Melissa George) is a pleasant but somewhat generic aspiring actress, reminiscent of Debbie Reynolds and Sandra Dee. Despite her seemingly ordinary audition, she lands a role in The Sylvia North Story, suggesting that even seemingly unremarkable individuals can become entangled in the web of Hollywood's illusions.
DAVID LYNCH MULHOLLAND DRIVE FILM CRITICISM HOLLYWOOD MYSTERY IDENTITY DREAMS ILLUSIONS
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Louise Thompson Seemingly Confirms Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott's SplitLouise Thompson hints at the future of her relationship with Zara McDermott after her brother Sam Thompson's breakup.
Read more »
Louise Thompson Hints at Friendship with Zara McDermott After Sam Thompson SplitLouise Thompson's Instagram activity suggests she'll remain friends with Zara McDermott following Sam Thompson's reported split.
Read more »
Louise Thompson Appears to Confirm Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott's SplitLouise Thompson, former Made In Chelsea star, seemingly confirmed her brother Sam Thompson's break up with girlfriend Zara McDermott by liking an Instagram comment about their future friendship. Sam and Zara, who live next door to each other in London, reportedly split after five years together.
Read more »
Louise Thompson Seemingly Confirms Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott's SplitLouise Thompson, sister to Sam Thompson, subtly confirmed his breakup with Zara McDermott by liking a comment regarding their future friendship.
Read more »
Visionary David Lynch broke into Hollywood with help of famous comedian before directing controversial art...Legendary Mulholland Drive and Twin Peaks writer & director David Lynch dead at 78 as devastated fans pay tribute
Read more »
David Lynch wished for 'everyone to be free of disease' in his final public appearance before his...A look back at David Lynch after the famed Twin Peaks and Mulholland Drive director died at age 78.
Read more »