David Lynch on life, art and Eraserhead

Lynch on the set of Eraserhead with Jack Nance in David Lynch: The Art Life (2016)

In December 1981 I got to meet David Lynch and spend time with him in his office at Universal Studios as he recounted the remarkable story of making his first feature, Eraserhead (1977). But he talked about much more – his early life, his passion for art, and how painting and sculpture evolved into an interest in filmmaking. Although I’ve previously published the transcripts of those sessions in my book about Eraserhead, I thought it would be a fitting tribute to David to post the actual recordings here; when spoken in his distinctive voice, his words convey so much more than they do on the page.

David Lynch 1946-2025: a very personal loss

David Lynch at Universal Studios with "the boys" -- Chucko, Buster, Pete, Bob & Dan

The death of David Lynch has been deeply felt by countless fans and admirers around the world. For me, this is not just the loss of a hugely influential and original artist; it’s the loss of a generous man whom I met through a chain of implausible events and whose generosity had a transformative effect on the course of my life and also on shaping the person I’ve become. The sense of loss is immeasurable.

Interesting releases from Australia’s Imprint

Will Graham (Clive Owen) conbtemplates the futility of violence in Mike Hodges' I'll Sleep When I'm Dead (2002)

The Australian company Imprint has been releasing extras-laden special editions on Blu-ray of movies which strangely remain elusive in North America. Among some recent acquisitions are Mike Hodges’ I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead (2002), Barbet Schroeder’s Charles Bukowski-scripted Barfly (1987), a minor but interesting B-movie by prolific journeyman Lesley Selander, The Catman of Paris (1946), and Walter Hill’s The Warriors (1979), thankfully in a two-disk set which includes the superior theatrical cut as well as the misconceived “ultimate director’s cut” from 2005.

Blasts from the past

“Art films” and the nature of boredom

Criterion Blu-ray review: Giuseppe De Santis’ Bitter Rice (1949)

Dino de Laurentiis (1919-2010)

Recent viewing – theatrical

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