In memory of David Lynch. 7 favorite films of the director

Last year we had a collection of outstanding works by David Lynch himself.

"8½"

Drama | 3.71 out of 5 MyShows | 1963

Guido Anselmi, an acclaimed director, is going through a creative and personal crisis. He is supposed to make a new movie, but faces a complete loss of inspiration. Along the way, Guido tries to make sense of his life, where his relationships with his wife, his mistress, and a host of other women who play an important role in his past and present are intertwined.

The movie is a stream of memories, dreams, fantasies, and reality where Guido searches for answers to questions about creativity, love, and the meaning of life. Lynch has said on more than one occasion that Fellini's works, including this movie, had a significant influence on his style, especially in aspects of the grotesque, surreal atmosphere, and the collision of reality with fantasy.

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"Rear Window"

Thriller, detective | 4.28 out of 5 MyShows | 1954

L.B. Jefferies (Jeff), a photojournalist who is temporarily confined to a wheelchair due to a broken leg. To kill time, he begins observing the lives of his neighbors from his apartment window. Each window reveals a picture of someone else's life, from romantic relationships to loneliness and everyday life. Everything changes when Jeff begins to suspect that one of the neighbors, Mr. Thorwald, has murdered his wife. Together with his friend Lisa and caregiver Stella, he tries to solve the mystery at the risk of his life.

David Lynch emphasized that Hitchcock "manages to create — or rather, re-create — a whole world within confined parameters". Lynch marveled at how the protagonist, without leaving his wheelchair, allows the viewer to follow a complex murder scheme through his gaze.

"An unparalleled movie! I've rewatched it several times and I'm constantly marveling at it. It would seem that one location, almost static picture, but how brilliant it is!
Now of course there are plenty of films of this kind and hardly anyone will be surprised by such a plot, but I remember how about 15 years ago I watched it for the first time and was completely delighted.
After this movie and "Psycho" I finally fell in love with Hitchcock's work!" — _Obscene_show

"Great movie. It's as if we, along with the main character, cautiously peek through the windows, unwittingly finding ourselves witnessing other people's lives. Other people's souls are always in the dark, and even peeking in, we never know for sure. We can only assume what is hidden behind the beautiful facade.
And by the way, Grace Kelly here is miraculously good", — Allons_y

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"Stroszek"

Drama | 3 out of 5 MyShows | 1977

Bruno Stroszek, just released from prison, makes a living playing on the street. Together with a prostitute friend and a kindly elderly acquaintance, he travels to America in the hope of finding happiness. But instead of a dazzling "American dream" with skyscrapers, they find the vast, desolate and sullen plains of Wisconsin.

Lynch called the film one of his favorites and admired Herzog's unique style. Lynch noted that "Stroszek" is a rare movie that combines deep humanity, eccentricity, and elements of surrealism.

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"Persona"

Drama | 3.83 out of 5 MyShows | 1966

Elisabet Vogler suddenly loses her ability to speak during a performance. Her silence is not caused by physical illness, but rather by an inner crisis. She secludes herself in a country house under the care of a nurse, Alma, who becomes her companion. Alma, open and talkative, begins to share her innermost thoughts and experiences with the silent Elisabet. Gradually, a strange, almost hypnotic bond develops between them, where the boundaries between their personalities begin to blur. Alma immerses herself in Elisabet's world, confronting her own fears, desires, and unresolved conflicts.

Bergman's influence on Lynch's work is evident. In particular, the scene of the two heroines' faces merging in this movie has become iconic and influenced many directors, including Lynch. His films, such as "Mulholland Drive" and "Inland Empire", explore themes of duality of identity and reality, which echoes the motifs of "Persona".

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"The Apartment"

Action, thriller, drama, adventure | 3.92 out of 5 MyShows | 1960

Baxter, a humble insurance company employee looking to move up the ladder, lends the keys to his bachelor apartment to colleagues who want to spend time on the side, including his own boss. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he falls in love with a girl who turns out to be his boss's mistress.

"The Apartment" is a comedic drama that explores themes of loneliness, moral compromise, and human relationships, echoing Lynch's interests in his work.

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"Lolita"

Drama, comedy, romance | 3.64 out of 5 MyShows | 1964

The movie tells the story of Humbert Humbert, a literature professor who moves to an American town and settles in the home of widow Charlotte Haze. There he meets her daughter, 14-year-old Lolita, who instantly captivates him. Humbert becomes obsessed with the young girl, and to be closer to her, he agrees to marry her mother.

Lynch noted Kubrick's skill in adapting complex literary material, emphasizing his ability to convey subtle psychological nuances and create a tense atmosphere (although Nabokov himself did not like this adaptation). He admired the way Kubrick combined black humor with drama to create a multi-layered narrative that continues to pique the interest of audiences and critics alike.

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"Monsieur Hulot's Holiday" / Les vacances de Monsieur Hulot

Comedy | 3.67 out of 5 MyShows | 1953

In summer Mr. Hulot, like many Frenchmen, goes to the coast in an old car. But as soon as he arrives in a quiet resort town, he disrupts the usual flow of a measured vacation life, bringing chaos and exhilaration.

Lynch noted Tati's unique perspective on society and his ability to create comedy through observation of everyday life. Lynch said: "I would definitely show 'Monsieur Hulot's Holiday' for the amazing point of view that Jacques Tati casts at society through it".

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