David Lynch on His Memoir Room to Dream and Clues to His Films

Originally published on June 25, 2018, we’ve decided to republish this interview in light of the passing of David Lynch at the age of 78.

Ever since David Lynch’s groundbreaking film, “Eraserhead” in 1977, he has been hailed as one of our most intriguing and mysterious directors. From films like “Blue Velvet,” “Mulholland Drive,” to TV series such as the original “Twin Peaks” (specifically the first season from 1990 and the critically acclaimed “Twin Peaks: The Return” in 2017 – ignore season two), Lynch has demonstrated a knack for crafting eerie surrealism. He has also shown an ability to hide the motives behind his creations. This is why the emergence of his 2018 autobiographical work, “Room to Dream,” comes as quite a surprise. As Lynch shares a cup of coffee and cigarettes in his Hollywood Hills painting studio, he reflects, “I know people will seek answers in the book, but providing any clues was not my intention when I wrote it.

In a typical fashion, what he carried out is quite uncommon. The book “Room to Dream” switches between biographical chapters, penned by co-author Kristine McKenna based on research, and recollections from Lynch about the same subject matter. Lynch, aged 72, finds it fascinating how a life can be pieced together from these various viewpoints, describing it as “extremely strange” or “really odd”.

I hadn’t considered you as someone who enjoys sharing personal or professional details. What inspired you to take part in “Room to Dream”?

Correct, I prefer not to discuss my work too much, if that’s alright with you.

Let me ask you this: Have you often heard people describe the coffee we’re sipping as “simply fantastic”?

I assume you’re aware that readers will scrutinize the book for hints regarding your work, a practice you seldom engage in. Has this knowledge influenced the details you shared about your work? No, there’s no particular reason for it.

No reason for what?The book.

What led you to make that decision? Each individual’s life story is unique, given there are over 7.5 billion people on Earth. From birth, your life unfolds in a distinct way with countless experiences shaping it. For instance, what causes one person to pursue a career as a scientist? Factors that set certain paths for individuals make their journeys intriguing. So, understanding how you arrived at where you are now is fascinating.

Have your perspectives on life’s direction shifted for you lately? It leaves me feeling incredibly grateful. There isn’t a single predetermined path that life must take. The freedom of choice is the essential point here.

In the past, you’ve delved into books about directors such as Truffaut’s works. Similarly, I’ve explored the book titled “The Name Above the Title” written by Frank Capra.

After studying the life of Frank Capra, I learned that Glenn Ford was not a kind individual towards him. From what I understand, Glenn Ford’s behavior negatively affected Frank Capra and robbed him of the joy he once had for filmmaking. I find myself feeling quite frustrated with Glenn Ford for this.

Now, regarding your life, if I were to study it, I hope to gain an understanding of your experiences, challenges, and triumphs in your journey as a filmmaker. I believe others might also benefit from learning about your unique perspective and the lessons you’ve learned along the way.

Recently, there’s been a lot of discussion about whether an artist’s personal life should impact our opinions of their work. This question has been raised concerning directors like Roman Polanski as well as people I’ve collaborated with such as Louis C.K. However, I hope it doesn’t have that effect. Louis C.K. has created a great deal of hilarious content, and it would be unfortunate if people stopped enjoying it due to his personal misdeeds. There are countless instances of individuals who led troubled lives but still produced remarkable work. Roman Polanski is another example: when he was arrested in Switzerland, many wrote that he should be punished severely. However, emotions can run high, and it’s important to feel compassion for those who have been victims. This topic requires careful consideration.

In came the concept of political correctness, a topic I’m unsure about. Laws can’t transform hearts, but Transcendental Meditation seems to be the only method I know that could bring about positive change on a profound level over time. However, when adhering to political correctness means suppressing certain thoughts, like lingering racism, it makes me question its effectiveness. Perhaps allowing for open discussions of such issues might help us confront them better. On the other hand, today’s culture is increasingly closed off, and many people struggle with desires that don’t align with contemporary norms. It’s a sad state of affairs, as I often find myself thinking, “There but for the grace of God go I.” Similar thoughts apply to individuals struggling with pedophilia – they are born with this affliction and need help managing it rather than being shamed or silenced.

Is any aspect of your work related to expressing thoughts and emotions that you might normally suppress? This could be compared to saying, “Do you only create art because it’s a way to let go of internal pressures?” However, I must clarify that for me, the love for an idea doesn’t stem solely from the need to release or purge. Rather, I am captivated by ideas for their inherent value and the transformative power they possess when brought to life through cinema. While it is true that something within me draws me to specific ideas, and these ideas are shaped by my own perspective, it’s not primarily about purging or releasing internal pressures.

Inquiring about a trivia: Some DVD versions of Mulholland Drive include a supplement containing hints to unravel the movie’s mystery. Are these authentic clues?

Here’s the story behind them: Back in 1965, going to Europe felt like an enormous journey for me. It was a significant event. Nowadays, it’s not as big a deal. The world has shrunk somehow. Incidentally, Mulholland Drive became popular in France, and they asked me if I could create ten brief hints to help uncover the movie. Normally, I would have declined, but for some reason, I came up with ideas that viewers could ponder while watching it [Mulholland Drive]. Initially, I thought these hints would only be available in France, but they gained traction on the internet — symbolizing how the world has become smaller — and people began requesting more clues.

But those are real clues?They’re real.

Theoretically, could you come up with clues to unlocking your other movies?Theoretically.

Could you do it now?No.

You mentioned that you once invested in a company owned by Michael Jackson, which was called Chewy Nougats. Could you share some details about this investment?
Certainly! I remember one day at Dino De Laurentiis’s company, there was a man on the business side who seemed quite intelligent. I had $5,000 in cash saved from my per diems and loved carrying it with me. This man approached me and said, “David, listen to me. Invest in Michael Jackson’s company, Chewy Nougats, at its initial stage.” Since I thought I could double the investment, I handed over $5,000. The company was renamed a few times, first to Nougats, then Gats, but eventually it all vanished.

Is Chewy Nougats a type of sweet treat? I’m not certain. It appeared to be some sort of confectionery item, but I wasn’t entirely sure. However, when associated with Michael Jackson, it was always expected to be successful.

How do you know Michael Jackson was really involved?I don’t. I took it on faith.

Thank goodness it wasn’t any more than $5,000 you had on you at the time, or else… Whew! I’ve learned that lesson the hard way twice already. For now, let’s leave the rest of the tale untold.

Returning to the topic we discussed earlier about Transcendental Meditation’s capacity to improve lives: How can the advantages you’ve experienced through meditation in certain aspects of your life be reconciled with the persistent struggles in other areas of your life? I hope this question doesn’t come off as flippant, but considering your marital history, I want to understand better.

Despite the positive effects of meditation on specific parts of your life, there are aspects that continue to cause difficulties. Is there a connection between these two situations?

As a fan, I’m expressing my understanding: You’re suggesting it’s an ongoing journey? Well, I haven’t quite arrived yet. It’s like striving to align myself with the universe’s inherent principles – what some call natural law. Ideally, this harmony would manifest in my thoughts, words, and actions, creating a positive ripple effect. Unfortunately, I often find myself acting against these principles.

You’ve asked an interesting question. From my personal perspective, friends are often the first ones to notice changes in us. Over time, it seems like we’re the same person, but then a few months later, someone might comment, “David, you seem different.” It could be argued that we would have reached this point without meditation, but it simply doesn’t feel that way.

There are individuals who struggle with stress, anxiety, depression, sorrow, fear, hate, or bitterness. However, once they start practicing Transcendental Meditation, the turmoil fades away, replaced by feelings of happiness, awareness, and love. So, regarding your query, “How can you tell?” It’s hard to quantify, but looking at others who didn’t begin meditating around the same time as us, we can see that they haven’t changed, while we have become happier and gained a broader perspective on life.

I was in Italy recently, and a nun asked me about introducing TM to children. She was curious at what age it would be appropriate for kids to start. I jokingly replied, “When they’re old enough to keep a secret.” The nun was taken aback, but the idea behind giving children a mantra without sharing it with others is to help them focus inward rather than outward. This seems to have caught her off guard. Perhaps that gives you some insight into nuns!

How is it being a father to a 5-year-old at 72?See, I’m not — I’m not the greatest parent.

How does this situation apply to you? Despite having an excellent bond with all my children now, it was challenging in the initial years when there’s no communication yet. I’ve been through multiple divorces and have four kids. Work has always been my priority, and I acknowledge that I might have caused pain due to my divorce history. Yet, I harbor immense affection for them. Being a parent is complex because, unlike in my upbringing when my parents seldom attended my Little League games or high-school graduation, I wanted to keep them at arm’s length during those moments.

As a film enthusiast, I yearned for a sense of separation – the kind where families allowed their children to explore the world on their own, as it once was. Nowadays, parents are deeply immersed in every aspect of their child’s life, and we even see stay-at-home dads. It feels unusual, but that’s the way things have evolved today.

Is it unusual because it’s unlike what you’re accustomed to or because you believe it might be ineffective?

Emily, my wife, sends me photos when she sees a man at the park. She comments, “Look, there’s a man here,” and I respond, “That’s a homeless man.” But I should refrain from making light of the situation. It’s wonderful for that man’s child to have him around. Everyone has their unique circumstances.

As a movie critic, I’ve often pondered over this question: Why must the creative process be so dominantly central? It seems that not all artists share your unwavering dedication to their craft.

For me personally, when I complete a film, shifting gears to resume painting is like crossing an emotional chasm. Throughout the filmmaking process, I’ve been nurturing ideas for paintings in my mind, and once the film wraps up, I find myself disoriented, needing to rediscover my artistic footing. Finding my way back into a painting takes time, and interruptions, much like nightmares, disrupt this delicate process, leaving me feeling frenzied and frustrated. The time I have for work is a rare and precious commodity that I guard fiercely against intrusions.

Is your decision to prioritize work more about having a strong urge to accomplish tasks rather than finding art easier to handle than people? No, it’s not that. It feels like an instinct to produce, and anything that impedes this process is excruciating. Relationships, if they’re not harmonious or don’t allow for my work, become a source of agony. I can care deeply for people, and I do, but I require space to create. I’ve always had this need, but I haven’t always acknowledged the full extent of it.

Have you ever frequented Bob’s Big Boy in the past for their milkshakes? If my memory serves me right, I used to go there quite regularly for about seven years. Unfortunately, most Bob’s locations are now closed. However, on a recent visit (possibly the last one), I found myself doing something quite unusual – rummaging through a dumpster. It was an odd impulse, but after seven years of enjoying those milkshakes, I couldn’t help but wonder about the food in a way I never had before. I used to think that if you were full, that was good or if you enjoyed it, it was good. But on this particular occasion, I found myself contemplating the food waste in a way I’d never done before.

I climbed onto the dumpster because there was a metal ladder on it, and inside, I discovered a milkshake carton with some suspicious-looking ingredients. The words ending in “zene” or “ate” were all chemical names, which made me think that maybe this product wasn’t healthy for me. It seems like food these days can be quite mysterious and questionable.

Are there any snacks right now that have you as thrilled as the milkshakes used to? I recently had an onion dip and some vegetable chips on JetBlue, and I’m trying my best to find those exact chips because their flavor was simply amazing – unparalleled in goodness!

Were the chips you got Terra Blues? No, they were more of a beige and brown color. They were lighter with some gray-brown spots scattered throughout. I requested a second bag from the flight attendant because they were so tasty. Michael, my assistant, has tried multiple bags of chips since then, but we’re still searching for ones that compare to those.

It would be fantastic if someone recognizes the chips you’re referring to from this and decides to send some your way.

Do you have any current routines?I have an exact routine.

Would you mind explaining your daily routine? In the morning, I drink coffee and meditate. For lunch, I eat a single slice of toasted bread spread with mayonnaise and some chicken. That’s all for lunch. At dinner time, I have another slice of bread with mayonnaise and chicken, along with a bowl of vegetable soup.

That’s your day?Every day.

Are you ideally finding time to work on your projects throughout the day? I’ll grab some trail mix as a snack if I’m still peckish in the evening. And, of course, plenty of coffee! Occasionally, someone might treat me to a doughnut or cookie.

That’s your big treat?On the weekend I have crunchy peanut butter and banana.

So you’re into eating, mindfulness, and work. Ever catch up on the latest news? I prefer spending my evenings watching crime dramas or car-customization shows instead.

Are you referring to programs that delve into real-life criminal investigations, like Law & Order? Yes, indeed! It’s intriguing to witness the actions of individuals. Thank goodness not everyone behaves as those portrayed in these shows do, but they represent extreme manifestations of human nature, and it’s simply astounding.

“Based on human nature gone to an extreme” could be a fair description of a lot of your work.Maybe.

I must admit, I found it quite unusual, but David, your high-tech toilet required a brief demonstration before I could use it. In fact, I’ve never encountered a toilet like this one before. This state-of-the-art marvel is more than just a convenience; it’s a blend of elegance and innovation – even for a toilet! With its soft lavender light, it feels more like a spa experience. It washes, dries, and takes care of everything. It’s truly a remarkable piece of modern technology.

Is it really necessary to revert back to primitive times by using only those specialized toilets? Prices for these items have significantly dropped, making them much more affordable than before. I decided to purchase four units, and I might just buy a few more as well.

And give them out to friends?They make a great gift.

A year has passed, and reflecting on Twin Peaks: The Return, I find it incredibly rewarding. I’m grateful we produced it when we did because, as you might be aware, six of the cast members have since passed away. Their absence is deeply felt, making it all the more poignant.

Have you ever come across any fan interpretations of the show? They’re truly fascinating if I were to engage with them. Fans often dive deep into the show, uncovering intricate layers and meaning that I find captivating.

What detective work are you doing lately?How to get more uninterrupted time.

As a devoted cinephile, skipping my daily movie might save me approximately 45 minutes every day, but watching those films is like investing in a timeless treasure. I’ve never skipped a screening, and for good reason – it’s an experience I wouldn’t want to miss!

It’s truly heartwarming to hear that! After reading your book “Catching the Big Fish,” I began practicing Transcendental Meditation, and it resonated deeply with me when you wrote about how meditation helps one discover their true self. That realization had a profound impact on my life. So, it’s incredibly meaningful for me to be here with you and share our conversation.

So what was Twin Peaks: The Return all about anyway?
[Laughs and shakes his head “no.”]

I thought I’d try and sneak that in there.Okay, I can tell you what Twin Peaks was about.

Really?Yes.

So what it’s about?It’s about 18 hours long.

It’s amazing luck that I can maintain such discipline in meditation, considering how much I enjoy it. If meditation were a burden, I doubt I could remain so dedicated. That’s why I consider myself fortunate. I adore my work and have the privilege of focusing on what I truly want to focus on. I wish everyone had that same opportunity. For instance, suppose you are a painter but need a job to cover your expenses: You would prefer a job that doesn’t require much mental effort so you can think about your painting. However, such a job might not pay well, and by the end of each workday, you’re exhausted. That’s five days a week. So, you have to dedicate your weekends to painting, but by Saturday afternoon, you might not feel like it. Sunday becomes a difficult day because you’re anticipating Monday. It can be challenging to complete your work under those circumstances.

In simpler terms, it seems like you primarily draw inspiration from within yourself rather than directly from external events, is that accurate? Or do you also find inspiration in things happening around you but express it in a more indirect way?

Is that what happened with O.J. Simpson and Lost Highway?
Maybe.

So, was there a link? It wasn’t intentional. I recall after O.J. was acquitted, he played golf. And I pondered, “Here is an individual who can separate: he allegedly commits a brutal double murder and then is seen smiling, playing golf.” People often compare this to a psychogenic fugue – a state where you mentally detach yourself from what you’ve done so as not to lose your sanity.

And the protagonist in Lost Highway is experiencing a psychogenic fugue?
Maybe, maybe, maybe.

I’m often asked to discuss other movies, but not The Elephant Man or The Straight Story. These two films are about a myriad of themes, but they ultimately leave you with a specific emotion rather than a mystery. Unlike Chinatown, for instance, which concludes with “Forget it, Jake. It’s Chinatown.” That ending is so profound; it leaves the story wide open. And that masterpiece was created by Roman Polanski, who, surprisingly, took a 13-year-old girl and produced Chinatown. Isn’t that mind-boggling?

Is Roman Polanski’s behavior comparable to that of a person who commits a crime and then indulges in leisure activities like golfing?

I’ve heard on the news that repeated head injuries sustained by football players can alter their behavior. It’s plausible, in your opinion, that something similar might have happened to O.J. Simpson. He wasn’t initially a violent person, but the accumulated impact of numerous traumas may have transformed him into someone capable of such actions.

This is an interesting perspective to consider.

Are you currently mulling over any movie or television concepts at the moment?

At the moment, I’m rummaging through a collection of ideas, looking for anything promising. While I could potentially return to film or TV, the production of “Twin Peaks: The Return” took nearly five years from conception to post-production. If I were to embark on another series, it would require finding the necessary time. So, we’ll have to wait and see.

And you’re not exactly a spring chicken.I’m pretty much a spring chicken.

Does advancing in age influence the type of jobs you prefer? As one becomes successful, there tends to be an increase in distractions. When one is struggling financially and living modestly, fewer interruptions occur. There’s a certain freedom in poverty and obscurity – you can focus on your work. Consequently, distractions have become more frequent as I’ve grown older. However, if you’re truly passionate about something, you follow where the enthusiasm leads you.

Oh, I see you brought up the topic of catching up on news and learning about concussions among football players.

When news about the country comes on, what’s your take on it?

Well, you might get the impression that things aren’t going great, but I think we’re moving towards a fantastic era on Earth. I have faith that Maharishi Mahesh Yogi introduced technologies to uplift individuals and bring peace to our planet. Peace originates from the unified field. Greater levels of consciousness, increasing happiness, ultimately leading to enlightenment, can be found in this field, which is present within each of us. It’s a tangible reality, and I believe that the period we’re experiencing now could be incredibly beautiful – it’s trending towards being just that.

Based on the efforts of many individuals and organizations like peace meditation groups that tap into this collective consciousness, I believe we’re moving in that direction. These groups work to amplify an underlying energy field, which can positively influence even those who aren’t meditators or aware of meditation. This improvement in well-being stems from the power of this inner field, a connection with which seems to have been lost by many but can be rediscovered through techniques like Transcendental Meditation. In summary, I find it encouraging to see more people embracing these methods, as it suggests we’re making progress towards a brighter future.

How frequently do you step out of your house?
I rarely venture out. I prefer to stay cozy at home. I’m a smoker and the world can be unaccommodating towards us. Smokers are often relegated to outdoor spaces, much like animals. I acknowledge that smoking isn’t beneficial for health but I question the validity of secondhand smoke concerns. There are numerous harmful substances in the air that exceed the harm caused by cigarette smoke. After practicing meditation for 21 years, I managed to quit smoking, but I resumed later on. I regret that smoking can’t be more accepted; perhaps lawmakers could make it easier for smokers. However, in a democratic society where there are more nonsmokers than smokers, it seems that smokers are disadvantaged.

You could vape.I don’t like the vaping.

“Jazz clubs no longer have that cool smoky vibe they used to.”
Now, without the smoke, everything in a jazz club is crystal clear and you can pick up other strong odors like urine, beer, and sweat. But what I miss most is that distinct smell of tobacco. I’ve always found it appealing, unlike the scent of marijuana.

Does venturing outside the house cause feelings of apprehension or anxiety for you, despite the pleasure you derive from it later on? If so, you might have a slight case of agoraphobia, where stepping out is challenging initially, but becomes more enjoyable once you’ve done it.

Earlier, you mentioned that success is a mixed bag — your critical acclaim remains unchanged, you’ve solidified your position. However, there was a period in the early ’90s when you experienced a dip in critical reception and…

That’s fantastic because it left only one direction for improvement: upward growth.

What are your current goals or aspirations? What does achieving more success entail beyond just having fewer distractions? I often think about Jimmy Stewart and his career that went up, then down, and then back up again. This ability to rise after falling shows resilience. Maybe I possess this quality too. However, it’s important not to focus too much on the destination or the peak (“up”), but rather to enjoy the journey and the process of reaching our goals, which is where true happiness lies. As the saying goes, “Focus on the doughnut, not the hole.” The joy isn’t in the end result; it’s in the work that leads to that result. If you love what you do, the outcome will bring you satisfaction.

Although some may find your work evokes a sense of mystery or melancholy, to me, it’s all about joy – pure and simple joy, from life, from work, you name it.

Read More

• FARTCOIN PREDICTION. FARTCOIN cryptocurrency
• SUI PREDICTION. SUI cryptocurrency
• Excitement Brews in the Last Epoch Community: What Players Are Looking Forward To
• The Renegades Who Made A Woman Under the Influence
• RIF PREDICTION. RIF cryptocurrency
• Smite 2: Should Crowd Control for Damage Dealers Be Reduced?
• Is This Promotional Stand from Suicide Squad Worth Keeping? Reddit Weighs In!
• Epic Showdown: Persona vs Capcom – Fan Art Brings the Characters to Life
• Persona Music Showdown: Mass Destruction vs. Take Over – The Great Debate!
• “Irritating” Pokemon TCG Pocket mechanic is turning players off the game

2025-01-16 22:55