David Lynch: The Art Life documentary gets a surreal new trailer

Last Updated on July 21, 2021

"Believe it or not, Eraserhead is my most spiritual film."

"Elaborate on that."

"No."

I love the films of David Lynch. Who doesn't? But as much as Lynch's films are, to borrow Churchill's description of Russia (from Roger Ebert's CLOUD ATLAS review), "… a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma", the man himself is perhaps just as much of – if not more – of a mystery/riddle/enigma. 

I have seen a few Lynch interviews and behind-the-scenes docs (as many as I can find, actually) and the man presents himself as strange, sure, but for the most part he is a man filled with a wry sense of morbid humor – just like myself!

It's a common misconception that Lynch operates like Howard Hughes or Stanley Kubrick, keeping himself locked away and rarely giving interviews, but the truth is Lynch seems more than willing to wax on and on about any number of subjects (he's particularly into transcendental meditation) just steer clear of any "deep" talk of the meaning of his films and you'll be fine.

If you are as into the man behind MULHOLLAND DRIVE as I am, then this new documentary DAVID LYNCH: THE ART LIFE, should be right up your LOST HIGHWAY as well.

Here's the official synopsis:

David Lynch: The Art Life is infused with Lynch’s own art, music and early films, shining a light into the dark corners of his unique world, and giving audiences a better understanding of the man and the artist. We’re invited into and given a private viewing of Lynch’s compound and painting studio in the hills high above Hollywood, as he retells personal stories from his past that unfold like scenes from his films. Strange characters come into focus, only to fade again into the past, leaving an indelible mark on Lynch, the artist.

We become witness to the fears, misunderstandings and struggles that Lynch overcomes, and along the way meet the various people that have helped to mold him. It became evident early in Lynch’s life that he views the world differently, absorbing its shadows and weaving a dream-like tapestry for audiences worldwide to become tangled in.

This film is dedicated to Lynch’s youngest daughter and serves as a personal memoir from father to daughter. By pulling back the curtains on an icon the film hopes to uncover the individual: David Lynch.

DAVID LYNCH: THE ART LIFE was co-directed by Jon Nguyen, Rick Barnes, and Olivia Neergaard-Holm, and offers an in-depth conversation with Lynch, along with his artwork, music, and early films.

DAVID LYNCH: THE ART LIFE opens at New York’s IFC Center on March 31. 

Naomi Watts is my favorite Lynch Girl.