Review of Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992) by Jack B — 26 Aug 2012

David Lynch's companion piece to the hit TV series is far from perfect and far from the show's moments of genius. But upon careful scrutiny, it succeeds as a dark character study of a girl on the road to self-destruction.

I was not a fan at the film's release. Like many people I found the film incomprehensible at times and completely devoid of plot innovation, humor, exploration and mystery-- which was what I loved about the original Twin Peaks show. I'm a perennial viewer of the series on DVD, and I always debate whether to tack on a viewing of "Fire Walk With Me" afterward. I've viewed the film twice after its original release and I ran it a fourth time several days ago, coerced by my friend (a Twin Peaks newbie). This time around, I found myself explaining those bizarre parts (the blue rose, the ring, the Chalfants, the vanishing angel) the same way I had to explain in the series the owls, the giants and the disappearing horse.

But this time, I somehow looked past all of Lynch's elusive symbols and paid attention simply to Sheryl Lee's depiction of Laura Palmer, a girl who has no real allies and no one to turn to for help simply because they don't understand her. They can't... which is ironic considering everyone loves, admires and emulates her as the town sweetheart and Homecoming Queen. From this perspective, the scene where she yanks Donna Hayward (Moira Kelly) from the Pink Room screaming "I can't let you become like me!" is devastating. She knows she is doomed to hell, but she resigns to her fate in an effort to try to stop the evil spirit Bob. It's the only thing in her existence she can control.

Sheryl Lee's performance carries this film. It's not perfect, and it's not necessarily award worthy, but Lynch is able to extract from her a deeply emotional voyage of guilt, addiction, coping, and redemption. If this were the work of any other filmmaker, people might compare it to more successful works such as "Requiem for a Dream" and "The Fountain." (I dare say it's hindered by the fact that it's got the Twin Peaks label!).

If you're not a fan, I understand. But the film redeemed itself for me after a fourth viewing, once I was able to focus on Sheryl Lee, on the character of Laura Palmer, and the notion of self-destruction.

...and removing my desire to see Sherilyn Fenn, Richard Beymer, Everett McGill and the absent TV cast I loved.