Filmmaker who died at the age of 78 left a series of highly praised works, but the “ugly duckling” in his career led to criticism from himself
David Lynch gone. One of the most inventive filmmakers ever created, the American had his death announced this Thursday (16), at the age of 78 — four days before celebrating his 79th birthday.
Nominated four times for an Oscar, Lynch is the mind behind acclaimed films such as The Elephant Man (1980), Blue Velvet (1986) and City of Dreams (2001), beyond the saga Twin Peaksa TV series that also gave rise to a feature-length prequel.
However, not all works made the filmmaker proud. A well-known title of his career was described as the lowest point.
It is about Dunefilm released in 1984 directed by Lynch and screenplay based on the novel of the same name by Frank Herbert. Despite the star-studded cast — as well as the soundtrack created by a Toto At the height of its fame — and its budget of US$40 million, considered high for the time, the film was not well received and made a loss after grossing US$30.9 million in the North American market.
The filmmaker’s biggest criticism of the work is related to his own lack of autonomy. Although he received credit for his role as director, he contractually agreed that he would not have the right to make decisions regarding the final version.
In 2021, Dune got a remake at the hands of Dennis Villeneuve. At the time, Lynch was asked by Cinema Cahiers if you watch the new version. The answer?
“I will never watch it and I don’t want you to tell me about it, ever.”
During another interview, NPRthe filmmaker was asked the following question: what is the biggest failure of his career? With no surprises in the choice, he declared:
“My film Dune. I already knew that I should have the right to the final cut before signing on to make a film. But for some reason I thought everything would be fine and didn’t put the final cut in my contract. Dune wasn’t the film I wanted to make, I didn’t have the final say.”
Lynch admitted it was his fault. After all, he agreed to perform the work on those terms.
“So this is a lesson that I already knew before, but now there is no way. Why would someone work for three years on something that wasn’t theirs? Why? Why do this? Why? It was like dying. And it was all my fault for not knowing how to put that in the contract.”
David Lynch dies at age 78
Iconic director of Hollywoodresponsible for productions such as Twin Peaks, City of Dreams (2001), Eraserhead (1977), Dune (1984), Blue Velvet (1986) and The Elephant Man (1980), David Lynch died at age 78. Those who confirmed the news were the artist’s family, in a publication made on Facebook. He leaves two daughters, two sons and his wife, Emily Stofle.
Known for dark and surrealist films and series, Lynch had been diagnosed with emphysema from his lifelong smoking—so much so that he could no longer leave the house to drive. “There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us. But as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the donut and not the hole.'”the relatives lamented.
David Lynch began his career as a painter and creator of short animation films and live-action. In the first film, Eraserheaddrew attention for its exaggerated and uncompromising style. It didn’t take long to be highlighted in the awards: The Elephant Man received eight nominations in Oscaras Best Director.
On television, he also left a big mark. With Twin Peaksstarted in 1990, told the story (created alongside Mark Frost) investigation into the mysterious murder of a high school student. Despite its initial success, the second season did not register a good audience, but the franchise received a film, titled Twin Peaks: The Last Days of Laura Palmerin 1992. The third season came about 25 years later.
In the interview book Lynch on Lynchfrom 2005, the iconic filmmaker spoke about the enigmatic core of his work with the author Chris Rodley and how he couldn’t define the meaning of his own work for viewers.
“Well, imagine if you found a book of riddles and you could start to solve them, but they were really complicated. The mysteries would become apparent and thrill you. We all found this book of riddles and that’s exactly what’s happening. And you can discover them. The problem is that you discover it within yourself, and even if you told someone, they wouldn’t believe you or understand you the same way you do.”
David Lynch encourages smokers to give up smoking: “High price to pay”
Source: Rollingstone
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
