-Why the added paranethesis in the title? Because, like The Saddest Music in the World (which, coincedentally, shares many elements. Isabella Rosselini...the color blue...), giving it a mere 'Thoughts on' headline won't give it justice. This could be argued for many of the films I've seen, but this one specifically, it just feels so...inappropriate.-Surprisingly, this is maybe David Lynch's most straightforward movie (aside from the aptly named The Straight Story). Symbolism abound, yes, but there is a narrative, with a coherent story and almost no homeless monsters living behind fast food restaurants.
-A young man named Jeffrey (Kyle Maclachlan, before he got all Desperate Housewives-y) home from college after his father suffers a stroke. On his way home from the hospital, he happens upon a severed ear in a field, and...uh, yeah. Weird shit happens.
-Has anyone ever noticed that Lynch always seems to be making fun of dialogue among sububurbanites or otherwise well-adjusted people? In Mulholland Dr., for example, Betty (Naomi Watts, duh) is an exaggerated innocent of middle American, spouting her corny phrases with such unironic conviction it's almost unsettling. Same for the hitman and his target in the beginning, such forced normalcy. That's what it's like in this movie, Jeffrey especially. His interactions with his neighbor, Detective Williams (George Dickerson), and his daughter Sandy (Laura Dern) is so intentionally off, enthusiastic small talk.
-Isabella Rossellini and Dennis Hopper. I'll just say it, they transcend criticism. So thoroughly do they immerse themselves in these fucked-up characters, I'd almost feel bad not lauding them.
-Frank Booth is the best villain ever.
-Still. I'll never listen to 'In Dreams' the same, man.