Review of Eraserhead (1977) by Rameez K — 02 Jan 2013

I'll admit to not being David Lynch's biggest fan. But this film is all sorts of awesome. Weird awesome.

It is the story of Henry (Jack Nance), who lives in a post apocalyptic world, or what looks like a post apocalyptic world. He finds out that he has a child and he has to get married to Mary. (Charlotte Stewart) That's about it. But, what makes this film so special and so much fun to watch is the nasty images shown portraying Henry's visions of parenthood and fathering his child. This is not a film for the average moviegoer, it doesn't follow the movie rules. Yes, of course, there's the 1st, 2nd and 3rd act. But, the way it's told, with it's constant flashbacks, overabundance on sound, is truly unique.

David Lynch stated that he made this film, based on his own fears of parenting. The character Henry even looks like Lynch.God, what a messed up human being. But what a cool vision he has. Henry's baby is born a mutant, looks like a skinned rabbit, with incredibly odd behavior and a voice to go with that. Mary ends up leaving him, fed up of coping with the child.

I can't really talk about the script and story more. So let's get to imagery and the cinematography. It's shot completely in black and white, which adds to the dark motif of the film. Already giving it a surreal feel. The world Henry lives in is devoid of light and brightness. People seem to wear dark clothes, very few people smile. The set design and costume design give it a whole, purgatory like feeling. Also, as I mentioned before, their baby looks like a skinned rabbit. If that's not surreal to you. You need to visit the mental hospital.

One striking accolade that Eraserhead holds to this day is it's impeccable sound design. Ambient noises are a little too loud, giving you an even emptier feel of the story. Letting us know Henry is entirely alone in this world. The effects of other things such as elevator noises, boiling water are rather loud, but unique. They don't sound like your regular elevator or water boiler, they sound clunky and rusty. Excellent sound design, people usually forget the impact of sound in films, Lynch shows how important and necessary of a quality it is.

Check the film out, it's not for everyone. Some might find it pretentious, don't overthink it. Take it for what it is, a weird look/exercise on parenthood. Marvel at the imagination of David Lynch.