David Lynch, the revered filmmaker and brains behind Twin Peaks, has sadly died just shy of his 79th birthday, prompting an outpouring of tributes from stars and fans alike.
Known for his unique contribution to cinema with cult classics like Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive, Lynch leaves behind a legacy as a pioneering force in filmmaking.
Lynch’s grieving family released a heartfelt statement, which read: “It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch. We would appreciate some privacy at this time.”
The tribute continued, expressing the loss felt by many: “There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us. But, as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the doughnut and not on the hole’. It’s a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way.”
To celebrate Lynch’s illustrious career, let’s remember his greatest hits. Here are the top 10 film and television productions according to fans on IMBd, omitting series like his Weather Report and What Is David Working on Today? and focusing instead on his narrative masterpieces.
Special nods go out to other influential works including Wild at Heart (1990), On the Air (1992), Inland Empire (2006) and Dune (1984).
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10. Eraserhead (1977)
First up is Lynch’s iconic first feature, the 1977 surrealist horror masterpiece about the terrors of new parenthood, reports the Mirror US.
The story centers around Henry Spencer (Jack Nance) and his girlfriend (Charlotte Stewart), who gives birth to a horrifying creature.
Abandoned by her, Henry is left to care for their disturbing ‘child’ amidst nightmarish visions.
The black and white film features minimal dialogue and has a dreamlike quality to it. While it has sparked differing opinions, it’s undeniably one of Lynch’s most unforgettable works.
9. Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992)
The first of four Twin Peaks projects on this list, the 1992 film Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me serves as a prequel to the legendary original series, filling in some gaps for fans.
The film plunges once again into dark surrealism, with Sheryl Lee giving a memorable performance as the murdered teenager Laura Palmer.
8. Twin Peaks: The Missing Pieces (2014)
The subsequent film, Twin Peaks: The Missing Pieces, includes deleted scenes from Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992) compiled together for the first time, revealing an untold part of the story’s prequel. Fans clearly enjoyed uncovering these hidden hints, as it ranks even higher than the original film.
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7. Lost Highway (1997)
This eerie thriller is Lynch’s tribute to Los Angeles, tracing the ordeal of saxophonist Fred Madison (Bill Pullman), who is sentenced to death for allegedly killing his wife, Renee (Patricia Arquette).
The plot thickens when the man in Fred’s prison cell turns out to be someone else entirely, auto mechanic Pete Dayton (Balthazar Getty), who embarks on an affair with a woman who looks identical (also played by Arquette).
6. Blue Velvet (1986)
The 1986 film Blue Velvet is one of Lynch’s most cherished classics, illustrating how much evil can hide beneath the mundanity of modern suburbia.
The film features Lynch’s long-time collaborator Kyle MacLachlan, who plays the role of college student Jeffrey Beaumont, who stumbles upon a severed ear near his home.
His discovery leads him into a brutal criminal underworld after he encounters singer Dorothy Vallens, portrayed by Isabella Rossellini.
Laura Dern also appears in one of her earliest roles as Jeffrey’s neighbour and love interest, Sandy.
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5. Mulholland Drive (2001)
Mulholland Drive from 2001 is another standout surrealist film in Lynch’s remarkable repertoire. The dreamlike yet convoluted film stars Naomi Watts as an innocent aspiring Hollywood starlet named Betty, who moves to Los Angeles in pursuit of fame.
In LA, she crosses paths with a woman named Rita, played by Laura Harring, who is suffering from amnesia, and things take a disturbing turn.
The film presents a simultaneously glamorous and sinister portrayal of Hollywood, and remains one of Lynch’s most renowned works.
4. The Straight Story (1999)
The Straight Story from 1999 is quite distinct from Lynch’s other films, primarily because it is firmly rooted in reality.
The film tells the ‘true’ story of Alvin Straight’s interstate tractor journey, played by Richard Farnsworth, to visit his ailing brother.
The movie narrates a tale of forgiveness, resilience and a version of America that seems long lost.
3. The Elephant Man (1980)
A hit among cinema enthusiasts, Lynch’s The Elephant Man is bound to pull at your heartstrings. It follows the life of a lonely outcast growing up in a world that has shunned him.
John Hurt delivers a performance of a lifetime as the heartrending lead character, while Anthony Hopkins sparkles in one of his earliest cinematic appearances.
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2. Twin Peaks (2017)
The announcement of Twin Peaks’ return as a limited series in 2017, decades after the original run, was met with jubilation by fans. The intricate and audacious sequel arguably posed more questions than it resolved – a quintessential Lynchian trait – but it undeniably kept viewers riveted to their screens.
1. Twin Peaks (1990)
The original Twin Peaks holds a special place in the hearts of many cinephiles, primarily for its groundbreaking approach to television storytelling.
Together with Mark Frost, Lynch crafted one of the greatest murder mystery series ever, centring on the eccentric residents of a small town nestled in the American Pacific Northwest.
Initially broadcast on ABC, Twin Peaks captivated millions, all eagerly awaiting the revelation of who murdered Laura Palmer, the teenage homecoming queen.
The series features Kyle MacLachlan as the affable FBI agent Dale Cooper, who delves into the terror and malevolence concealed beneath the idyllic facade of the quaint town, Twin Peaks.
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