Review of Lost Highway (1997) by Mirabella 1 — 10 Jan 2010

LOST HIGHWAY (1997)Written & Directed by David Lynch.

Another tour-de-force by Maestro-Lynch.All of our favourite Lynchian trademarks are here.....from the slushy, Dream-like jazz score to the opulent, eerie sets, that look comfortable at first glance, but reveal themselves to have a sinister sideon closer inspection (his armchairs, in particular, always make me shudder). Bizarre plot lines abound. They head off enthusiastically in multiple, seemingly significant directions, but more often than not peter out as a mess of tangential dead-ends (reminiscent of a crazy, Carrollian game of Pick-Up-Sticks).And, of course, the transition to every 'other-worldly' zone is heralded by a glimpse of those oh-so-familiar oppressively beautiful red velvet drapes. Where would we be without those?!!A full synopsis of the plot is unnecessary. This film, as are all of Lynch's works, is an experience....a journey....a 'Happening'. Entering into his world is a privilege. It requires no explanation, for that would defeat part of what it is he is attempting to share with us. The fact that Lynch exists in a world that is different to the one that the rest of us inhabit is indisputable. Yet his work demonstrates anoverwhelming need to belong to that which he can never be part of. He does so by revealing himselfto his 'audience'. A crucial element of this is that each individual he interacts with (ie.,each viewer)MUST be able to see him through 'untainted' eyes. To corrupt one viewer's perception with the opinions of another would irrevocably alter the essential nature of the interaction.Superficially, of course, his world is the same as ours. The aspects of it that fascinate him are compelling. They orbit around recurrent themes.....the ugly world of snuff porn, organised crime &evil doppelgangers being particular favourites of his.Look out for an interesting appearance by Marilyn Manson as a porn star & be prepared to be thrilled & chilled by Robert Blake's brilliant portrayal of "The Mystery Man" (?the Devil in drag?)!I loved this film.I trust that you will too.PS : more than one viewing is an ABSOLUTE requirement.***** 5 out of 5 stars.