Movie Review by EDF
Starring: Justin Theroux, Naomi Watts, Laura Harring, Ann Miller, Dan Hedaya, Mark Pellegrino
Director: David Lynch
David Lynch in the 21 st century, what an appealing thought. How does a director who does not rely heavily on special effects to tell a story keep the audience captivated? Judging by his latest release, MULHOLLAND DRIVE is Lynch doing what he does best, telling a gripping story with twists and unforgettable images. This is Lynch back on top form and being as innovative as always.
MULHOLLAND DRIVE was originally conceived as a two-hour pilot for a TV series for one of the American TV networks who then turned it down. With some extra funding from other sources, Lynch reconstructed the story into a feature film.
Being driven down Mulholland Drive, Camilla’s (Laura Elena Harring) limo stops and a gun is pointed at her from the front seat. Coming fast towards them, two carloads of teenagers are racing alongside each other on the winding road. One of the racing cars hits the limo head on with Camilla walking away from the accident in a daze. The following morning, Camilla slips through the open door of an apartment whose owner is, at the time, too busy loading her bags into a taxi to notice her.
Arriving in the City of Angels, Betty Elms (Naomi Watts) has ambitions to become a movie star. To help her along, she stays at her aunt’s apartment, who is away on a movie shoot. Finding Camilla in the apartment was something her aunt didn’t tell Betty about. Betty, thinking that the stranger is a friend of her aunt, asks Camilla what her name is. Suffering from amnesia, Camilla takes a name from one of the posters hanging up in the apartment and introduces herself as Rita then asks to be left alone for a while while she recuperates from her ordeal. Meanwhile Betty finds out from her aunt that she knows of no one called Rita and tells her niece to call the police. Curious about this stranger, Betty questions Rita about what happened to her and the only thing she does know is that her handbag is full of money. Intrigued by Rita’s situation, Betty offers to help Rita find out more about her situation.
Filled with characters that find themselves in strange situations and mixed with the odd humorous scene as well as a cracking soundtrack supplied by the ever-reliable Angelo Badalamenti to compliment the story, this movie is for anyone who loves a great mystery. The two leading ladies seem very comfortable in Lynch’s universe, which is occupied with bizarre and colourful characters like Louise the Seer and The Cowboy. At times reminiscent of BLUE VELVET and TWIN PEAKS, this is Lynch proving that he hasn’t lost his touch and don’t be too surprised if this movie picks up some awards along the way.
