Mulholland Drive
What did I just watch
Honestly, I’ve been low-key avoiding this film for a while. Every review I ever read made it sound like the most confusing, impenetrable thing ever, and that kind of thing usually turns me off. I don’t enjoy watching something where I have no idea what’s going on, especially if it feels like it’s trying to be confusing on purpose. So yeah, I was nervous it’d disappoint or just leave me cold.
But, after some doubt and consideration I watched it today with a friend — and it did not disappoint. In fact, this might be my favorite first watch of the year so far.
One of the first things that grabbed me, even in the opening 20 minutes, was how much the structure reminded me of Pulp Fiction. Multiple storylines running side by side, each one super engaging with weird, fascinating characters, all sort of brushing past each other. Every scene felt like its own little short film. And just like Pulp Fiction, the way everything starts connecting is so satisfying.
Then, of course, the movie takes that wild turn, and it suddenly becomes this dreamlike, fractured mind trip. That part did confuse me, not gonna lie, but I ended up watching an analysis afterward, and it honestly blew my mind. It reminded me of Perfect Blue in some ways, but way better.
I’m way too stupid to write anything intelligent about this mindblowing and fascinating story. How does one even come up with an idea like this??😭😭 I really loved the foreshadowing and symbolism in the first part of the movie. The way the film shifts from this dreamy Hollywood fairy tale into a total nightmare is just genius.
Also i absolutely LOVED the sunset boulevard references. The movie kind of has the same vibe, with a star getting trapped in the “Hollywood dream”. Also a banger of a film btw.
FINALLY, after more than a year of using Letterboxd I’ve watched an actual David Lynch movie. Can someone tell me why I’ve waited so long to start his filmography?? I genuinely can’t wait to explore more of Lynch’s filmography and can now understand why this movie is so praised. Absolute banger.
High 5/5