Review of Inland Empire (2006) by Todd C — 03 Feb 2010

The only comment David Lynch has ever made about "Inland Empire" is that it's a mystery about a woman in serious trouble. I hate his oversimplification! To be honest, I couldn't even begin to explain what this film entails.

At times, it seems to be a head trip into the perils of making entertainment in Hollywood -- a similar theme Lynch explored in the dreamlike fantasy that is "Mulholland Drive." Just when you think you might be able to piece together the puzzle, the director changes his pitches in typical Lynch fashion - plots switch, blur, and vaguely coalesce; unknown characters emerge; it's a dark, surreal nightmare that seems to be going nowhere but in circles.

One major critic described "Inland Empire" as a stringing of several incomplete Lynch projects that never came to fruition. As the viewer, you're lost, but you can't help but be enticed - every twist and turn has you on edge, eagerly waiting to see what happens next.

Lynch's array of images put forth on the screen demand your attention. While the director's theme with "Inland Empire" doesn't feel as focused or provocative as it was in similar movies ("Mulholland Drive" comes to mind), this is still an experience to be had if you're willing to go along for Lynch's twisted ride.