Mulholland Drive

[Written Jun. 15, 2023]
I was worried I might be getting into an overly ambiguous, largely emotionless "puzzle film" that would leave me sorely apathetic.

But what I got was a surrealist, emotionally-driven/sincere, funny, primed-for-overinterpretation film about a dream someone has the night after hiring a hitman on a former lover, romanticizing the best possible outcome of the hit mixed with elements of what she wished happened before this hit.

That being, the filmmaker who rejected her role and took her love away from her only dismissed her from the role because he was forced to by corrupt Hollywood. A romanticization of her acting skills and position when first arriving in Hollywood. And that her lover would forget about their entire relationship because of the hit, falling in love with her once again and staying in love with her.

In all fairness, I can see why the film's non-chronological structure and its subtlety in being non-chronological can be a turnoff for some. Maybe my interpretation is entirely wrong, but I adored the film as it was organized, and I find my understanding of the film appealing. I think its an unorthodox, beautifully poignant film.

"Mulholland Drive" is by far the most complete expression of David Lynch's cinema. It has everything that made his films memorable but still manages to be accessible for most viewers (you will need to rewatch a couple of times, but at least we are far from the apparent close-to-nonsense of "Inland Empire"). A lot of people claim that the last 45 minutes prevented the film from becoming a real masterpiece and made it confusing for the sake of it, but it's quite the opposite. Surely the unsettling and surreal atmosphere that permeates the film is valuable, but those last 45 minutes are the ones that give a real weight and meaning to so many details and lines. They are essential to save the first half from being just a cheesy mystery movie with a unique atmosphere.
It has been one of my favorite movies for ages, but it took me over fifteen years to finally relate to the character. I guess I am finally old enough to feel the bitter taste of failure and self-delusion.

"When you see the girl in the picture that was shown to you earlier today, you will say, "this is the girl". The rest of the cast can stay, that's up to you. But the choice for that lead girl is NOT up to you. Now... you will see me one more time, if you do good. You will see me... two more times, if you do bad. Good night."

Back in early 2015, I watched "Mulholland Drive" and my first reaction were mostly positive. I didn't know what to think of it, but I was so in awe with the film that I couldn't stop thinking about it. The reason for not reviewing it back then is because I just wasn't ready to talk about it. This massive delay cause me to forget about it, as at the time, I had a lot of things on my mind.

But after re-watching it, it's better on the second watch. I loved "Mulholland Drive". It's both effective, depressing, and strange. I would go as far to say that it's a masterpiece.

David Lynch is a master of his craft who's always misunderstood. The dreamy atmosphere is terrifying and yet draws you in. Only he can do it. To strike an emotionally core with you that hits you hard, despite not knowing what's going on. People are so in awe of his work, even when nobody understands him. But strangely, that doesn't matter.

Sooooooooo freaking cool. Makes me jealous of Lynch's genius mind, wish I had one like that.

One of the best blow mind movies ever! Just watch carefully.Everything makes absolutely sense and Lynch is a fucking genius

Masterpiece! Great movie, great execution

Review: https://boxd.it/2bha63