Lynch on Lynch

by Chris Rodley and David Lynch

Book Overview

David Lynch erupted onto the cinema landscape in 1977 with Eraserhead, establishing himself as one of the most original and imaginative directors at work in contemporary cinema. Over the course of his career, he has remained true to a vision of the innocent lost in darkness and confusion, balancing hallucination and surrealism with a sense of Americana that is as pure and simple as his compelling storylines. In this volume, Lynch speaks...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0571220185
• ISBN13: 9780571220182
• Release Date: March 2005
• Publisher: Faber & Faber
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.3" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

The one to get

In this revised edition of "Lynch on Lynch", two new sections have been added: one on the Straight Story and one on Mulholland Drive. As with the rest of the book the updated sections consist of Chris Rodley interviewing David Lynch. While some of the dialogue does become a bit repetitive, the questions really are well posed. In his answers Lynch gives a glimpse of his creative process and more; for example, he discusses the links between Billy Wilder's Sunset Boulevard and Mulholland Drive, talks about both his frustration with the TV medium and his attraction to it, as well as divulging more about his partnership with composer, Angelo Badalamenti (one of the most productive relationships between director and composer since Fellini and Nino Rota). Black and white photographs from sets are also included throughout. Considering the book in its entirety, it is a very comprehensive work, covering everything from the aforementioned material to Lynch's childhood, his early work in painting and the first experimental films he directed. This book is still THE one to get for fans of David Lynch. Reading it one comes away with the sense of having actually met and talked with the man himself -- none of the other books on Lynch really capture this feeling. Those who already own the old version of the book may want to think twice about purchasing the revised edition. The sections added are not all that lengthy and much of the material has already been discussed elsewhere.

Great, insightful book on a living legend

This is a great book written by Chris Rodley that is basically a series of interviews with living legend David Lynch. If you're not into Lynch or his movies at all, I doubt you'll find anything insightful in here but if you appreciate the man at all, this is definitely a must read. It covers a lot of ground on his upbringing, film and art projects. What makes this book such a good read is that Rodley asks great questions to which Lynch answers in a very entertaining fashion. Reading this is probably the closest thing to actually speaking to him and he has an incredible, warm personality. While he doesn't give up his secrets too readily, he does share personal opinions on art in general (film, painting, photography, etc.) and what makes art powerful. He offers invaluable insight on the filmmaking process and some details on what it took to get his films made. He talks about his successes and debacles with equal parts candidness as well. I highly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates Lynch and anyone who digs offbeat filmmakers. (NOTE: Make sure that if you pick this up, you get the edition that has been revised and updated to include "Mulholland Drive")

The sum of one's FEARS

A fascinating read. In these extensive interviews, David Lynch tells of his journey from painting student to filmaker. He refuses to interpret his films, as he believes this strips them of their power. He reveals a lot of personal stuff like his fascination with piles of dirt and his obsession with building sheds out of found wood. Through his revelations you become acquainted with the motifs that drive him on. I especially enjoyed his explanations of his urban fears and how they transform themselves from city to city.

For artists experiencing an inspiration block...

LOVED IT! If you are an artist no matter what medium, this book unravels more inspirations than your mind can possibly hold. David Lynch, known for his inability to express himself in words, ironically sends tantilizing pieces emerging into (in my mind) a complete puzzle. The essence of a great artist. Doesn't matter if your style differs from his, its a fundamental uniform feeling we tend to forget. Simplicity is good. Recommendation: Read this book slowly...what's the rush?

Intuitive discussions with the Sultan of Strange

Faber & Faber's someone on someone series continues to jump to the peak of its market. Here Chris Rodley interviews David Lynch, writer/director of such cult classics as Blue Velvet, Twin Peaks and Eraserhead to find out exactly what makes the Lynch lad tick. Truth be told, this can't top Cronenberg on Cronenberg but still benefits because Lynch himself is a true genius and a man who is genuinely interesting. Rodley's questions prove to be entertaining and although Lynch is from time to time somewhat evasive, we can see why. "The mystery lies in the unknown" is one of Lynch's favourite comments and perhaps explains why he does not reveal everything. All over though it is a highly informative book that provides great insight into Lynch's background, works and inner motivation.