How To Make A David Lynch Film

Embarrassing being a big film fan I was unaware of David Lynch’s work but once I was given this recommendation by the Director and Editor himself, Joe McClean (@redandtan), I was even more ashamed as Lynch was the director of the famous The Elephant Man and cult classic Eraserhead.

David Lynch, for those who didn’t know like me, is an American filmmaker, television director, visual artist, musician and occasional actor. Known for his surrealist films, he has developed his own unique cinematic style, which has been dubbed "Lynchian", and which is characterized by its dream imagery and meticulous sound design. Indeed, the surreal and in many cases violent elements to his films have earned them the reputation that they "disturb, offend or mystify" their audiences.

This short film not only takes the ‘piss’ of Lynch’s style but it goes about it in a rather entertaining way.

The opening credits are very creative, as well as the graphics of scenes on the TV screen and the ‘unrealistic death scene’ looked very cleverly placed in the fact you couldn’t see a fault with its positioning. My favourite shot would have to be where they demonstrate the contrast between light and shadow, it captivates Lynch’s style, and in a modern and dramatic style also.

Throughout it is not only informative but is humorous and enjoyable.

I must admit though, a few scenes do make me cringe like the end part of the kissing scene and the rather bright exposed sex scene, as well as the copy of Dennis Hopper in Blue Velvet. Although, it does make it up with the example of pointless instructions on the telephone, it is comical and I applaud the actress for keeping a straight face.
Director, Joe McClean has made a brilliant short film through the topics of education and comedy. He manages to keep the audience watching for it's strange but fascinating features. Also, not only does he direct and edit it, he also stars as the elephant man. Delightful scene!

The ending clips of asking the public their opinions on David Lynch are from different views but the one I found the most interesting was the lady saying that “he’s genius enough to fool everyone in to thinking that he’s done something worthwhile.” And other very edifying quote…”what the fuck?!”

To sum up Lynch’s work in an 8 minute short film, this would be the way to do it. In ways it has made me want to see a film of Lynch’s to see his style, yet not as it seems as if he is a pointless and ‘artistic’ director who just does what he feels. Maybe I will spend some time watching his famously acclaimed The Elephant Man just because it is a classic and I don’t want to waste my time watching anymore of his and not knowing his true classic film.

Don’t understand? Mongoloid! (You’ll get it if you watch)

If you know of David Lynch and his movies or even if you don’t, I recommend the watch.