Reviewed 08/03/99
If you are not a fan of David Lynch, then this may not be the film for you.
Lucky for me that I'm a big Lynch fan (I even have all of Twin Peaks on Tape!)
This is a very odd film, even for David Lynch. Its either about Fred the Sax Player (Bill Pullman) who thinks he's Pete the Car Mechanic, or a Car Mechanic who thinks he's a Sax player. Lynch himself described the film as being about a man in a "Psychogenic Fugue state", which doesn't really help.
The film also stars Particia Arquette, in a dual role as the Wife of Fred and the Girlfriend of Pete, and Robert Loggia as a Gangland Boss (Mr Eddie).
There are lots of the Usual Lynch bits and pieces, Strobe lights, long pauses, red curtains, strange industrial noises, however it feels like it was made by a younger person. This could be due to the soundtrack, with songs by Nine Inch Nails, Smashing Pumpkins and Marilyn Manson, or because of the youngish cast.
Anyway, I did enjoy it. Which is the most important thing. The Brunette version of Patricia Arquette is the spitting image of Betty Page, there is much Kit offery, and lots of impressive visuals. There is also the usual line in Jet Black Humour which David Lynch excels at. Taken all together, it shows that Lynch is still as disturbing and inventive as he used to be.
This film will not be everyone's cup of tea, but if you like the strange and bizarre, then you should give it a try.
8/10
PS. You may be tempted to fast forward through the first 20 mins as it seems a bit slow. But be patient and you will be rewarded.
Home, About Me, About My Friends, Film Reviews, Short Stories, RPG S.Q.G.S, Deprivo, Devianté, Links
© 2002-2005 John Gavin Lighterness