Lewis Dombrowski

On third watch of this film all the different themes, plots, and pieces of symbolism really begin to cohere which makes the process of unpacking it all the more intriguing but still no less terrifying or emotionally intense No film that I’ve watched blurs the lines between reality and illusion, time and place, and past and future as much as Inland Empire. The only ones that come close would be the other dream logic narratives in Lynch’s catalog like Lost Highway and Mulholland Drive, but all of the plot devices, horror elements, and seeming ambiguity used in those are taken to a whole other level with Inland Empire It’s no secret that Lynch has an unparalleled ability to unlock the subconscious and craft images that evoke abstract concepts, and this is highlighted in everything about Inland Empire that makes it a complete mindfuck: Visitor #1’s tales that feel like a cautionary prophecy sent from a higher being; Harry Dean Stanton appearing for ten minutes just to say he likes dogs and to steal everyone’s money; the anthropomorphic rabbits who telepathically guide Nikki to the Lost Girl; and Terry Crews apparently. Nobody else could have made this film simply because of how bizarrely captivating and absurd it is Amongst all of this are so many clashing feelings of dread, confusion, transcendence, and awe. What makes the experience so unique is the whole thing being shot using a low-resolution digital camera which allows for effects that are otherwise unattainable, crafting a space which feels like an obvious precursor to Backrooms with its liminal atmosphere This has to be my favourite Lynch film alongside Mulholland Drive simply because it makes for a viewing like no other, trapping you in an inescapable nightmare drenched in psychological horror and excruciating confusion Also nobody seems to talk about how amazing the soundtrack is for this film. Lynch departed with the familiar company of Angelo Badalamenti to score this one himself and it pays off in every respect - *Polish Poem *perfectly captures the tragedy and beauty of the story with its tear-jerking melodie’s, while the chilling ballad *Ghost of Love *almost feels like it could be part of the overall ambience with its moody guitar and haunting mantra

The best thing about this film is that you don’t actually have to watch it to give it a half star review

Incredibly heartwarming but I would have liked more existential dread and mind-numbing perplexity

I love Future