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I had to purchase a second copy since my first one began to skip. This work of art got under my skin like no other. Someone recently posted a review here which reminded me that I had wanted to update my thoughts on this film which seems like a never ending journey. I am writing more an alternate way to view the film rather than a review. It is likely I will be unable to express this in a way others will be able to relate to but here goes...
My appreciation and perspective continue to evolve as I explore further the wondrous world of Mulholland Drive. Conceptually for me, Lynch has created a beautiful and surreal picture of the mysterious workings within the psyche and all of the films characters ultimately can be seen as interacting mental forces within the subconscious mind. I further interpret it as a masterfully creative representation of Eastern based philosophical concepts like "oneness", and "desire being the basis of suffering" and "the path to nirvana is within each person". I almost imagine a tiny grain of truth wrapped in infinite layers of illusion, representing a conceptual model pertaining to Eastern philosophy. The title "Mulholland Drive" can bring forth many possible interpretations, one of which is "Material Ambition" where the self centered dream/desire (Hollywood) of material success (Mulholland and Hollywood) becomes the drive/ambition which leads to suffering.
Many may know of David Lynch's lifelong practice of Transcendental Meditation or TM. It led to his establishing the David Lynch Foundation, which seeks to promote TM with the goal of spreading world peace. Please check this on the web if you are unaware of how committed he is to TM and consider how it could inform and inspire his work. Perhaps some may also be aware of his thoughts regarding the comparison of TM to something in physics called the "unified field theory". My admittedly limited understanding of this "unified field theory" as it applies to TM, suggest that there exist an essence of ultimate awareness or enlightenment laying at the center of many layers of consciousness (this may not be exactly correct). Devotees suggest TM can allow an individual to begin to reach for this ultimate level within (and more).
Anyway, I have begun to experience the film as an infinitely layered symbolic representation of concepts related to Eastern philosophical thought like "desire is the basis of all suffering". The model might be extended to represent the unified field theory too but I am not exactly sure exactly what it is. From this POV, there exist any number of layers of multiple "outside solutions" wrapped around layers of "inner interpretations" further wrapping a center "point" of "inner enlightenment" or "ultimate reality". The "outer" layers are illusionary stories, where viewers extrapolate their own personal solutions outside of the films actual content. These are mostly regarding what I consider a physical reality based story of a woman's Hollywood experience and involve deducing scenarios not contained within the film, to arrive at what the viewer considers a logical "real world" solution. Though I believe these are never complete, many apparently are satisfied at that point though will have had to create something not explicitly shown in the film or have some questions remaining. These deduced explanations might be comparable to "illusions" of the physical world where what we expect will provide ultimate happiness are false paths, never leading to complete contentment. These outside layers wrap around more non-physical dreams and mindscapes which begin to increasingly rely more on the films literal content with more elements remaining "inside" the film. This can be reinforced once discerning a film "language", made up of every element and includes lighting, names, locations, colors, wardrobe, dialogue, sequencing, editing, props, titles, sounds, music, credits etc. as well as DL's own history. This "language" is elegant and wonderful once the willing viewer is able to let go of conventional viewing and grasp the simplicity of it. Perhaps that too is a philosophical connection which might suggest enlightenment is simply "seeing what is". If one simply sees what is in the film, a new enlightenment, interpretation or understanding is possible.
Delving deeper into the mindscapes and metaphor, the film can suddenly open up to where everything begins coming together to reveal a wondrous symbolic allegory illustrating the unseen internal danger possible when choosing a self centered material existence over a more loving and compassionate one. All characters could be imagined as representing various identities inside of "one" being, interacting within a mental world inside "the mind". Think beyond guilt, desire, id, ego and super ego. Think beyond male and female or young and old. Think beyond dream and reality, into the most fundamental element of our humanity and existence (or perhaps the unified field). For me, Lynch has painted a beautiful and surreal picture of the mysterious workings within our heads where all of the characters represent interconnected mental forces within the subconscious mind. These are the very real forces that somehow create the electric impulses that lead to the decisions we make and affect how our lives will be. We expect the physical and material world of "the good life" to provide happiness at the risk of our inner well being and the "good life". Deciphering the "language of the film" can allow the viewer to gain a more "unified" understanding...similar to what some suggest occurs when learning the language of Transcendental Meditation or seek Nirvana. I get a feeling of the film representing an adult lifetime of desire and a guilt born of remorse that results in an empty, lonely and frightened inner reality being forever replayed, never to attain a permanent state of contentment. It can be imagined that the physical layers surrounding this depiction of the repetitive mental allegory may be analogous to the way Lynch may view the unified field theory at the center of all being.
Okay, I know it may sound crazy. I know next to nothing of Eastern Philosophy and I believe there exists many parallels in the film which I will never be aware. But for me, this view has resulted in the film blossoming in seemingly endless ways which build on each other with detail upon detail becoming somehow wondrously connected to the whole. This takes Mulholland Drive into a realm beyond cinema to become (for me at least) a unique and thought provoking experience. Perhaps even "mind expanding". I DO NOT claim to have a complete understanding, but every viewing brings some further observation or "enlightenment", enriching the experience for me. It also has made me curious about TM and other meditative paths. I am aware that many consider TM a cult or religion of sorts and warn of the dangers if one is susceptible to certain sales techniques. It is my nature to be skeptical and resist being led, but I also like to "keep an open mind".
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Reviews with images
Best Mulholland Drive (in the 2000s)
Bumped a star off for not presenting the audio correctly. It's pitched a semitone high. There is a slightly revisionist transfer of this film out there on Criterion but for those who like the old transfer this disc does it well, albeit it is on HD-DVD.
Top reviews from other countries
freddiefreejazz
l'attitude d'un homme détermine la tournure que prendra son existence...
Reviewed in France on September 5, 2020
Dave
Superb Movie Let Down By Its Onscreen Appearance.
Reviewed in Australia on November 7, 2020
Dave
Reviewed in Australia on November 7, 2020
The movie (Mulholland Drive) explores the manipulative (Machiavellian > political) - behind the scenes - manoeuvres of the Hollywood entertainment power brokers (puppeteers). We observe how the master puppeteers pull on the strings attached to the movie producers and directors (marionettes) making them dance to the tune of the puppeteers own liking (influencing their creativity). Furthermore, we see how personal relationships between the players (actors) are exploited in fulfilling individual agendas (with fatal cruelty).
Although the the story isn't particularly original, (the contained themes have been around for some time) the script is well crafted (it's the degree to which these elemental (sub) themes are introduced and combined that makes this movie sensational). Intrigue and suspense are built-up in layers, (as the tale progresses) often in revelations contained in flashbacks. The flashbacks aren't intrusive and don't hinder the flow and the brisk pace of this film. My attention and curiosity were constantly maintained throughout this riveting movie.
Cinematograph is impressive: particularly framing, camera angles and lighting. The acting talent gave pleasing performances in their character portrayals. All are convincing in their rolls.
This particular restoration is not my "cup of tea". My first impression (upon initial viewing) was that the film looked drab and tired. Whilst the image has satisfactory definition, it lacks vibrancy, energy and "life". Perhaps, due to the layer of film grain, present (digital noise is insignificant). Still, others maybe quiet happy with this restoration (personal choice). Myself, I am prepared to accept the restoration (appearance) because of the quality of the content (script plus acting).
"Mulholland Drive" is a brilliant movie, only let down (somewhat) by it's appearance. A rating of 5 plus stars for the production content 3 stars for the restoration (visual aspect).
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