Reel Reviews - Cinephile Series #2
Reel Review #14: For the second in the Cinephile Series we examine Mulholland Drive, David Lynch’s 2001 masterpiece. The film actually started as an open-ended TV pilot and through Lynch’s dedication was finally finished and presented as a feature film. I don’t have all the answers, but using Reel Reviews’ listeners audio comments and questions we examine some of the key elements of the film including a rundown what I think is really going on. Remember, the Cinephile Series assumes you have already seen the film. Put your thinking cap on and enjoy. “So, let’s just say I’m driving this buggy.”
Direct download of the podcast: Mulholland Drive (43min 19.9MB)
or subscribe: 
Links mentioned:
Well, it’s slightly reassuring to hear that there wasn’t a deeper existential meaning to the Cowboy, and I think you pretty much hit the nail on the head. And on the topic of movies that don’t quite clearly lay everything out for you… I just saw a good one today. It’s called Primer, it was huge at Sundance and it’s starting to roll into theatres everywhere. What’s really interesting about it, though, is that it was made for only 7,000 dollars. Anyway, I’m putting my thoughts together on it and I should have a review together in a couple days. I’ll be sure to fire it off.
Brian, I have read a number of articles about Primer and look forward to your thoughts. I also appreciate your taking the time to call in the Cowboy question. As I said in the podcast, that has always been one of my favorite scenes in Mulholland Drive.
HI Michael:
there’s something enthusiastically calming about listening to your show. I listened to Mulholland Dr. while refurbishing a closet in the house my gf and I are re-doing. (see link)
Mulholland Dr! I watched it for the first (and only) time a couple of weeks ago and when I saw your Cinephile, I immediately wanted to check it out to get your take on it, which was, not surprisingly, excellent.
I generally love your critique of the Lynchian state of mind, when it comes to movie making. On some level, understanding Lynch helps to accept the occasional incomprehensability (is that a word?) of some of his movies. I kind of thought I was over David Lynch. I think it was Wild at Heart that kind of started me thinking “Okay, he’s just being weird to be weird.”
But MD is a compelling movie. It’s certainly enlightening to consider the fusion of the old and new footage. I had fuzzed in the backwards plot, but your explanation really helped clarify. I love challenging movies, and MD is certainly among the upper echelon. thanks for adding to my appreciation of it.
ps: about the lack of chapters. it’s good to know that that is a Lynch policy. I kind of admire him for it, but it sure isn’t convenient. I *did* in fact watch MD in two sittings and for the second one, had to set the DVD on 8X, go do a couple of dishes, check back, throw in some laundry, and then sit down and hit “play.” ha!
for future reviews: angel heart, brazil, 12 monkeys. Pardon me if you’ve done any of these. I probably haven’t fully grokked the archive.
mick
Why can’t I subscribe to the cinephile series with iTunes?
Daniel,
I never made a separate feed for the Cinephile Series. YOu can certainly subscribe to Reel Reviews from within iTunes. If it makes it easier, here is a list of are all the Cinephile Series.