Review of Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992) by Mikael K — 14 Jul 2010

This prequel to the legendary Twin Peaks TV-series is a very uneven, often hit-and-miss venture into the events that set the unforgivable tale into motion. Ultimately the flick has enought wonderful scenes- true Lynch style- to make it a thrilling ride, and it does contain some intriquing ideas about teenaged identity and sexuality. A lot of the stuff here is also covered in Jennifer Lynch's reasonably accomplished novel "Twin Peaks: The Secret Diary of Laura Palmer".

The easiest disappointment here can be the fact that- at least for me- the movie doesn't really have the same feel as the series. Lynch's style is different here, down to lighting and music. The actors still mostly look like their parts; Donna Hayward has been unfortunately recast, though. Also I have to say that even thoug Sheryl Lee was quite convincing in the TV-series as Laura Palmer's cousin, she is somehow completely off here, going over the top and having an insufficient presence to carry the lead.

"Fire Walk with Me" doesn't really do anything that essential to the Twin Peaks saga, but it's still a well directed and constructed thriller that will easily give you nightmares. You won't forget it easily, and I'm ultimately very happy that Lynch gave us this particular proof of his unequaled mastery in creating suspence and twisting our minds.