Review of Lost Highway (1997) by Stuart B — 05 Jan 2012

Typically Lynchian, while this labyrinthian noir mystery may possibly not be quite up to the standards of Mulholland Drive or Blue Velvet, it was still a mesmerizing and compelling analysis of personal interpretation, jealousy and identity. Crafting layer upon layer of a web which manipulates the viewer into a state of confusion and intrigue, Lynch was able to draw me in and twist my own perceived notions of a man who learns he has committed murder through a series of video tapes and is sent spiraling into a sense of insanity as he tries to uncover what happened.

And while the narrative sometimes gets a little too convoluted and down right incomprehensible, and the atmosphere at times comes off a little cold, as with Mulholland Drive the surreal imagery, themes and symbolism which penetrate the core of the movie are so involving and creepy you can't help but be affected by it. You try and resolve the mystery as it goes along, but you know this is one of those movies that will require multiple viewings to try and come close to comprehending.

And so, as with most of his movies, I will endeavor to do so. I have a semblance of comprehension which I am satisfied with; a man who, driven by jealousy and insecurity to act in the most violent manner and then try and twist his actions through his own interpretation rather than fact. It is a film which locks you into it's suspenseful mood and dares you to go with it. It challenges you, and I for one accepted it with delight.