His films may be considered as some of the most off-the-wall projects to grace the silver screen, but there has never really been a doubt that David Lynch is certainly in a league of his own.
Dropping the conventional method for storytelling, Lynch's movies are always open to the viewer's interpretation, not his own. Like Nolan, Lynch is coy about what his films mean. In fact, he is not very fond of the idea that they mean anything and so theories about his features continue to make their way around the internet.
Don't believe us, you need to check these out for yourself. Here are five essential Lynch films.
1. The Elephant Man
Far more touching than you could imagine, The Elephant Man is based on the true story of Joseph Merrick who was rescued by a Victorian surgeon after he is discovered as a side-show freak. Hopkins character Frederick soon finds out that there is more to the Elephant Man than meets the eye.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RDW1ldM9zM
2. Blue Velvet
Arguably one of the most uncomfortable films you will watch, and yet one of the best of Lynch's, Blue Velvet follows the story of a young man who discovers a severed human ear in a field and decides to figure out where it came from. Little does he know that the investigation will lead him to Dorothy, a woman whose son has been kidnapped by a gang who still control her every move. The late great Dennis Hopper is exceptional here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWr4JvAWF20
3. Wild at Heart
Nicolas Cage like you have never seen Nicolas Cage before. Wild at Heart tells the story of Sailor and Lula (played by the wonderful Laura Dern) who elope together, only to discover that Lula's mother has hired a man to get rid of Sailor. This is entirely worth watching for the scene where Cage breaks into Elvis in the middle of a metal bar. Honestly, it is all kinds of crazy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCQwumNQL9E
4. Mulholland Dr.
Often noted as Lynch's best work, Mulholland Drive is described by many as a series of dream sequences involving Betty Elms or is she Diane Selwyn and her pal Rita? Following a car accident, Rita tries to piece together who she is and Betty, a young Hollywood hopeful, decides it is her mission to help her. However, Mulholland is notoriously known for not being as linear as that structure and moves haphazardly around the plot. It will definitely require some concentration and a vivid imagination.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96R9MG0DxLc
5. Inland Empire
If you thought that Mulholland Dr. that was a bit crazy, Inland Empire might not be for you. However, if you are a fan of Lynch, or indeed experimental cinema that doesn't necessarily follow a structure, Inland is absolutely fascinating. Inland in some ways echoes Mulholland, following an actress who begins to adopt her character from a film. You may need to be prepared for anything, including large bunny rabbits.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsF7D02RO4A
Honourable Mention
Twin Peaks
Out of all of Lynch's work, one of his most amazing projects was the television series Twin Peaks. With a brilliant first season that got everyone talking, the series revolved around a sleepy town called Twin Peaks and an investigation into the murder of a young popular woman. The second series however, went a little off the rails. However, Twin Peaks is worth the watch and if nothing else, will definitely keep you interested.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXjTEw9Qm0k
