I was under the impression that I pretty much knew David Lynch. I saw Mulholland Dr. in the theatre twice, watched The Elephant Man in a college class, saw Blue Velvet earlier this year with Kamran, DVRed The Straight Story the other day without even knowing it was a David Lynch film just because I wanted to watch a movie about a farmer, watched Lost Highway with Kamran a couple of years ago when he helped me paint the living room of my apartment bright pink, was forced to see bits of Wild at Heart on TV, and think I might have actually seen every episode of “Twin Peaks” at this point thanks to our cable horror channel, Chiller. So yeah, I thought I knew David Lynch.
But last night, Kamran made me watch Eraserhead. When the opening credits came on, I asked, “Is this in black and white?”, and he said, “Yes, and there’s very little dialogue.” I tried to have an open mind, but I was still veeeeeeeeery skeptical a half an hour in. There was little plot, little scene, no dialogue, and totally unlikeable characters. And then this happened:
And that basically sums up the film. If you’re in any way intrigued by that, rest assured that it only gets weirder. It’s probably my second-favourite David Lynch movie now, and I can’t wait for Kamran to start up his line of Eraserhead action figures so I can give everyone a larva baby for Christmas.
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From this props site:
“Many stories have been told about this baby; even that it was no special effects puppet, but a real calf foetus… kept alive for the filming…”
AMAZING.
Your own Eraserhead baby for only $100!
Oh David Lynch! It’s been so long since I’ve seen the movie I had forgotten about that scene. Wow! You’d think that Lynch would have to be really messed up to make the types of films that he makes, but he seems so normal in interviews.
His films remind me of another director, whose first name is also David- Cronenberg. Similar styles of fuckedupedness.
I’m so glad that you’re dating Kamran because otherwise you still wouldn’t have seen Blue Velvet and other important films.
(Oh, and put me down for 3 of your action figures, please)
I know! He’s like, “Here’s this entire movie I made about a box that represents a vagina! Now here’s a movie I made about a guy on a tractor!” He has to be a pretty amazing director, right?, to do such totally different films. At least all of Cronenberg’s make SENSE.
I would’ve gotten around to watching all of them eventually! Kamran’s head is big enough.
I’m scared
Funny–I imagined most dinners in Oregon looking like this.
Also, you just reminded me that my third-best friend from high school just moved to Bend. I wonder if you two pass by each other every day. If I wouldn’t be jealous about it, I’d make him try to befriend you.
A while back, I saw that you took an interest in LJ-to-Google Reader. Well, it’s back and better than ever (works with [most] weird names, and everything), and it’s called Feed Proxy. Just so you know. =o)
Oh, thank you, but I’m well aware. I’ve been enjoying the new functionality for days now, especially the awesome comment count at the bottom of each post. I wish everyone understood how great it is and used it, but one woman can only do so much convincing.
I don’t know if all of Cronenberg’s films make sense. Although I loved Crash (not the stupid academy award winner movie, but the film that was made in 1996 that is way better) I’m not sure if it makes sense. I mean, I get it, but being sexually excited by car crashes is kind-of crazy. But you’re right – at no point in any of Cronenberg’s films (that I can think of) does the same character suddenly reappear played by a completely different actress in the middle of the film. And tiny chicken babies don’t bleed while the legs are doing the can-can.
Oh! This is the movie I was thinking about yesterday when I thought about how much you and Kamran have in common! It’s Crash. I thought the “stupid” Academy Award winner was very touching, and Kamran thought it was dumb and overwrought. But he could understand the Farsi the father and daughter speak, which was cool.
Wow, I’ve never seen that movie, but I’m kind of wishing I hadn’t watched that scene while I was eating lunch. I am intrigued, though.
Eww, yeah, sorry about that. Just think of it as a really juicy bird. Everyone wants their chicken more tender and juicy, right?
Yes, as a matter of fact, I would like an Eraserhead Larva Baby replica for Christmas, thankyouverymuch.
If only because Katie Ett wants one too, and you are now (and have been for some time) in the top spot for Bachelor Girl’s Lead Opinion Makers.
Should I not tell you that Kamran and I bought each other a Wii for our anniversary/birthdays and are having it delivered in a few days?