STARS: JUSTIN THEROUX, NAOMI WATTS, LAURA ELENA HARRING, ANN MILLER, ROBERT FORSTER

I would love to be able to tell you the story behind Mulholland Drive, but I don’t think I can. Anyone who is familiar with David Lynch’s work knows what I mean. Lynch is a unique director who doesn’t necessarily believe in narrative flow or even an ending to a film.

Mulholland Drive is no exception, it is filled with imagery and sound and characters that are open to interpretation. I have read many things about this movie, many people have spoken about the true meaning of this movie and I doubt anyone is correct. The most interesting theory is that the entire story is the dream of the character in the diner near the start of the movie. Lynch, no doubt enjoys the fact that his movies, regardless of their critical or commercial success (both have been scant of late), are so open to interpretation and that they leave a lasting impression on the viewer.

Ostensibly, this is a film about two women. Betty (Naomi Watts) is the nice but naive blond PYT (pretty young thing) who has come to L.A. to pursue fame and fortune as an actress. Rita (Laura Elena Harrring) is the woman without a past, she has lost her memory in a car accident.

Rita has vague recollections, one is that she was supposed to be at Mulholland Drive and the name Diane Selwyn. Rita and Betty investigate and find the dead and decomposing body of Diane in her apartment. This leads to a series of bizarre encounters to find out clues to Rita’s life.

While the film starts out as a relatively offbeat thriller, towards the end of the movie, all the rules go out the window and the twists and turns will give you whiplash. As usual, David Lynch uses different camera techniques and acting styles to create tension which permeates every scene in the film. Even the most benign act in this movie has an undercurrent of tension. Another Lynch staple used are the scenes with little or no dialogue, while others prefer to use exposition to tell the story, Lynch prefers the silence to lead to interpretation.

Of particular interest are the presence of Michael J Anderson (the dwarf from Twin Peaks) and the three Aussies in the cast - Naomi Watts, Melissa George and Marcus Graham, all with substantial roles in the movie.

THE EXTRAS

Chapter Selection: Why did I mention this…there isn’t any chapters! David Lynch believe a film is to be enjoyed in one sitting, to paraphrase, his moves aren’t f#&*ing books!

David Lynch Interview: A brief interview at Cannes with the director on the inspiration behind the film and the relationship between the two lead actresses. Not very interesting, more a problem with the interviewer than David himself.

Cannes Festival - Press Conference - Highlights: With various behind the scenes personnel, David Lynch, Angelo Badalamenti and actors Justin Theroux, Naomi Watts and Laura Elena Harring. This is a very interesting look at the thoughts of the cast and crew. Different from your average interviews, I actually have some empathy for the standard answers actors and directors usually give, the questions asked were pretty poor. I shudder if these were the highlights.

EASTER EGG - David Lynch’s 10 Clues To Unlocking This Thriller: Hidden away is this list which basically tells you what to look for, I wont comment on how effective these tips are. Available from the Special Features menu, a blue key will be highlighted by playing with the direction keys on your remote control.

CONCLUSION

A David Lynch special, that is, great visuals, great music, quirky off beat characters and plenty of the bizarre. A great theme piece which will leave you with one thought…what the hell just happened?