Review of Lost Highway (1997) by Manicure — 23 Nov 2020

“Lost Highway” is the film that opens David Lynch’s “mature” period. Loosely inspired by the OJ Simpson trial, it’s focused on the idea of “psychogenic fugue” in relation to traumatic events. Fred’s mind is desperately trying to protect itself by erasing certain memories and assuming a new identity. However, reality (represented by the videotapes taken by Mystery Man, the only entity who seems to have witnessed all events) keeps reminding him about the fallacy of subjective memory. But is video a reliable source of information? After all, what we are witnessing as viewers is a mere product of fiction. It’s not as engaging as “Mulholland Drive” or “Inland Empire” (by far the best of his films centered on identity), but I loved the gritty, grungy atmosphere and inventive camerawork here. The first 45 minutes could classify as some of the most unsettling horror footage in film history. Badalamenti’s score is also integrated by unnerving droning sounds, popular industrial songs, and contributions by Trent Reznor to help the film build up its own unique mood.

Unfortunately, most of the tension falls apart with Pete’s lengthy segment in the middle, which felt like just like a low-key reiteration of the Blue Velvet formula.