David Lynch is an anomaly. A pioneer of the American ‘indie’ aesthetic,
he also works in Hollywood and for network television. He has created some of the most disturbing images in contemporary cinema, and produced startlingly innovative work in sound. This collection offers a range of theoretically divergent readings that demonstrate not only the difficulty of locating interpretative positions for Lynch’s work, but also the pleasure of finding new ways of thinking about it. Films discussed include Blue Velvet, Wild at Heart, The Straight Story and Mulholland Drive.

Erica Sheen lectures in literary theory and film at the University of Sheffield, UK.
Annette Davison Annette Davison lectures in music and film at the University of Edinburgh, UK.

2004
208 pages
978-1–903364–85–7    £16.99 (pbk)
978-1–903364–86–4    £45.00 (hbk)

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chapter sample
Introduction


reviews
'A ground-breaking collection of new essays on one of contemporary cinema's most tantalising and original directors. Covering all of Lynch's feature films as well as his television, this stimulating volume presents a range of challenging theoretical perspectives on, and insightful readings of, Lynch’s work.'
Frank Krutnik, Sheffield Hallam University

‘The 12 essays in this collection – all written expressly for this volume by film and media scholars in the US, Europe and Australia – shed light on the director and his oeuvre. Among the many topics covered are Lynch’s use of parody, allegory, pastiche, music, female performers, and facial close-ups; some contributors apply psychoanalytical and feminist theories to his work. The result is a highly readable volume that deserves a place in film literature. Recommended.’
CHOICE

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