 As the film world anxiously awaits the release of David Lynch's latest film Inland Empire, Michel Chion's definitive book on the one of the most complex directors in American Cinema today is finally updated. But if you're looking for a book that explains all of Lynch's work then you're going to be disappointed: after all, it's sometimes questionable if Lynch himself knows what the hell is going on in his movies. Instead, through Chion's intricately researched prose, we are offered various pieces of the puzzle. It's up to us to try and work it out.
The first half of the book takes a chronological examination of Lynch's work. Here Chion utilises close textual analysis to examine the themes and stylistic elements of Lynch whilst also providing a detailed history of the production of the films. Of particular interest here is the discussion of the early short films of Lynch (which, sadly, are still not available on Region 2 DVD) and how they have shaped his subsequent films. There are also some intriguing revelations about Lynch's working practises: the whole saga behind his involvement in Dune is covered quite thoroughly though, if you're still curious about how the ‘baby' in Eraserhead was created, then prepare to be kept in the dark for quite a while longer. The book, in its new updated edition, also covers some of Lynch's lesser known work including the twisted sitcom ‘On The Air' and his symphonic collaboration with Angelo Badlamenti ‘Industrial Symphony Number 1'.
The second half of the book, entitled the ‘Lynch Kit', takes a more disjointed approach as various visual and psychological aspects that are present across the films of Lynch are examined. From ‘Logs' to ‘Ear', Chion identifies the myriad of ways in which Lynch uses his movies to question the nature of reality and the truth that lies behind the veil of respectability. This will prove slightly harder work for those who are unused to academia but, for those who are prepared to stick with it, it provides many productive and interesting ideas.
Chion's book is still the book for those who want to discover the work of the man who was once described as a ‘Jimmy Stewart From Mars'. Much like its subject, it fails to provide definitive answers and concrete theories. Instead it's a kaleidoscope of contrasting ideas, intense research and passion for its subject. All in all: a damn fine book.
PUBLISHER: BFI Publishing
ISBN: 1-84457-030-4
PAGES: 246 pages
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