8:00 PM, 14th March, 2008
Most David Lynch films divide audiences like no other films can. INLAND EMPIRE (Lynch insists the title is always capitalised), however, even divided David Lynch fans. I'm in the affirmative camp - in fact, I think it's his masterpiece.Those who've seen Blue Velvet, Wild at Heart, or Mulholland Drive will know what to expect. For those who haven't, here's a plot synopsis: Hollywood actors, dancing prostitutes, gramophone players, rabbit sitcoms, gypsy curses, movies within movies within movies, time travel, and Cameron Daddo. All make sense?Lynch films are mostly to be experienced first, and then analysed afterwards, so I suggest that you just go with it for the first viewing. There are: plenty of funny bits (Stanton has a great, albeit brief, role); blink-or-miss-'em cameos (Laura Dern's mother, Diane Ladd , William H. Macy, and Mary Steenburgen); a couple of Lynch regulars (a great performance from Zabriskie); and some truly creepy bits (my nerves were on full tingle for a good fifteen minutes towards the end!).I've already seen this twice, and will probably come along tonight for a third time, either to get more insight or just to enjoy the experience again. Not a film for everyone, but everyone should experience Lynch at least once in their lives, so why not make it tonight?
Travis Cragg