Review of Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992) by Tommy 'See The Treasure' S — 13 Dec 2013

This is a movie that did not enjoy a very warm reception upon its initial release. It was pretty much loathed by critics and audiences alike. One of the reasons was that people were expecting the movie to resolve some unanswered questions from the TV series, which apparently ended quite abruptly. I have never seen the much-loved TV show and have no idea how this movie ties in with the series, so I can't really comment on that. This movie serves as a prequel to the TV series but as a stand-alone movie it is really quite fantastic, and over 20 years on it is deserving of reappraisal.

Like most Lynch's movies, it relates to us a grotesque mystery lurking beneath a superficially pleasing veneer. The story is essentially a harrowing account of the final days of the complicated high school student Laura Palmer(the mysterious death of whom laid down the foundations for the TV show). Therefore, the ending of the movie is pretty much decided in advance, but as with several great thrillers or horrors this a movie that thrives on a sense of inevitable doom and foreboding.

Hovering provocatively over the main proceedings is Agent Dale Cooper(Kyle McLaughlin). Cooper knows that the life of some high school teenager is at risk, and he wishes to protect the future victim, all the while knowing that he is utterly helpless to do so. I'm aware that Cooper serves as the main character in the TV series, but here he appears only in glimpses. I can see why this would annoy certain fans of the TV show because he is a very interesting and quirky character.

But this movie is all about Laura and I found her character to be very interesting. She is a contradictory and enigmatic character. On the outside she is a confident, popular and radiant high school student. She is also sexually promiscuous, a cocaine user and hangs out with the wrong sort of people. But Laura is not as simple as her external personas suggest. She is neither the brash, cocky teenager nor the sweet and innocent homecoming queen, but rather a deeply troubled and confused teenager. At the emotional helm of the movie Sheryl Lee gives an incredible, operatic performance of a soul who is haunted by a world of private demons and real family issues. I read somewhere that Lynch wished to do this movie because he was in love with the character of Laura Palmer and all her contradictions. It's easy to see why; she is a really fascinating character and I found myself intrigued by her dark inner world.

It's a shame, and a little baffling, that this movie was greeted with such hostility upon its initial release. I can see why some would be annoyed by some of Lynch's trademark surrealistic quirks, some of which aren't wholly successful here. For instance, there's a brief appearance by David Bowie that seems really unnecessary. But these are minor errors in an otherwise brilliant composition. On a technical level it's an exceptionally well made movie with a sharp and clear visual sense. It is boosted by a splendid ensemble cast, including small appearances from Kiefer Sutherland and the always brilliant Harry Dean Staunton. Even detractors of Lynch should at least recognize the brilliance of the central performance from Sheryl Lee.