Mulholland Dr. (2002) directed by David Lynch

Muholland Dr. is a mystery within a mystery about a dream within a dream. At least that's one way to put it. It's certainly a mystery though. It's one that few people can solve. The question is, are we supposed to? David Lynch has a history of doing this. He knows how to welcome his audience into his odd world, make them care and then loose them in the void of mystery. He does it right every time, and because of this, he is considered one the greatest living directors.

Betty Elms moves to L.A. to pursue her acting career. She comes to live at her aunt's lavish apartment complex while her aunt leaves town. Hiding in the apartment complex is Rita , who sneaked in after escaping a horrible accident on Mulholland Dr. When Betty finds Camilla in her new home, they immediately enter a bizarre friendship fueled by mystery. Much is the mystery stems from the fact that Camilla knows not who she is or what has happened to her. Together, they try to put the pieces back into the puzzle. This is the only clear part of the story. This takes place in the first half on the film. The second half of the film takes a radical turn, requiring the audience to put the pieces together. Everything we've assumed up to this point is now false. Nothing is what it seems.

If you have not seen this film, I suggest skipping over this paragraph for I am attempting to put the pieces together myself. At this point, it feels as if we have left reality, when in fact we are entering reality. We learn who the real characters are. Betty is a struggling actress named Diane. Rita is a worshiped actress named Camilla. Why the sudden change? It's because Betty was dreaming. All of the events that took place in the first part of the film, which I've chosen not to delve into, are mere elements of reality in Diane's(betty's) life. Psychologically, she was displacing her guilt, envy and wishes. By dreaming, she was running away from who she is in reality. This is why she's not Diane in her dream. Who is Diane? Who is Rita? There's references to these people in the film. Are they important? Their only importance is that they act as clues to help us understand the second half of the film. There's many more clues, both people and objects. This film speaks through symbolism and that is, to an extent, a vital element of dreaming.

What David Lynch has done here is that he's taken a typical medium, and given it the most realistic form possible. That's why this film is so haunting. Upon first viewing, this film will probably leave you baffled. However, watch it again, and don't blink your eyes. Again, symbolism tells this story. It's easy to assume that this film has no purpose nor does it make sense. There might be a tad bit of truth in that. However, that truth gives this film its backbone. It's subject matter and plot needs to be presented the way Lynch has perfectly done. Watch it and watch it again. It's one of the most enigmatic films ever made from one of the most enigmatic directors.

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