7/28/11

Irrelevance

Mulholand Dr. (2001) by David Lynch
 
Other films by David Lynch: Eraserhead (1977), The Elephant Man (1980), Blue Velvet (1986)
 
 
During the first few minutes of the film, I actually forgot who directed the movie and I was almost ready to criticize it heavily for its below average shots, transition, and editing. Then I found out it was David Lynch; I haven’t really seen any of his films yet but I’ve heard reviews and comments about him being part of the top greatest directors of our time. I was ready to suspend my initial judgment and see his work for myself. I am sad to say that I was actually disappointed.

COMMENTS

Directing:  The early crash scene seems a bit off in editing and transition. It would have made a bigger impact without music and with a more realistic shot from the point of view of Rita, the backseat passenger. Cutting to the loud and maybe drunk teens that caused the car accident was irrelevant.

There were numerous scenes that the movie could do without. Like the drunk/party teens in the car that caused the accident, the old couple in the car, or the random shots of the sleeping girl. I know they may seem necessary as they provided hints and clues to further solve the film but that’s my point. It could very well give hints and clues without forcing to further harm the film’s creativity. Also if it harms the film, maybe it would be best not to include it. Lynch seemed forced to make this film “artistic” and “mysterious”, when the lesson itself could have been delivered in a different medium of creation.

The editing is below average. While the cinematography only had a few good moments that were followed by unnecessary scenes. Most were moderate. The assassin scene was really interesting and goofy.

It may seem better if we were brought into Diane’s perspective and was just explained later on of Rita’s story. In that case, the mystery would be far heavier as the audience carries a hanging question, “Where did she come from, what happened to her?”

Plot: The plot of the film gets interesting fast even though its foundation is a bit messy. The approach and actions of the characters were odd though.

I really don’t get the push of the film and why there had to be a hallucination or dream. Yes, it’s true that we may never fully prove whether we are awake or not, but it seems like a stretch for the film to finally have that conclusion at the end. It seems like a forced plot, which any film could actually use as a safety net to provide a “twist” or a “significant” story. I’m not really a fan of the plot here.

Characters/Acting: Naomi Watts’ did great in the audition practice scene. And even better, if not best, in the real audition; she was breathtaking. It’s impressive how both were compared and contrasted with the same dialogue yet different characteristic roles. It showed acting and a differentiated personality. Taught a good deal about film and acting.

Score: The score seemed out of place most of the time. It was too pretentious as if something significant is happening, or is about to happen. It did not occur only in the dream sequence, which could be forgivable, but also in the reality part of the film.

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