This is an independent short film directed by Joe McClean. The plot involves a couple who find a video about How to Make a David Lynch Film. They settle in to view the film and find themselves in the middle of several David Lynch films with Jon Thomas as their host and Lynch Instructor.
David Lynch, for those who are blissfully unaware, is an avant-garde film director. He has directed such movie as; Eraserhead, The Elephant Man, Lost Highway, Mulholland Dr and the TV show Twin Peaks.
As the host launches into his lesson, complete with an easel and large pad of paper, it soon becomes clear that the host knows his subject. The Host explains what one needs to achieve a Lynch-like film. The instruction includes such things as; music (or simply a strange sound), a male character called Mr. (insert common first name, in this case Jim), and the over exposure of sexual encounter scenes. Also explained are; changing the main actor with another actor playing the same part and having a man in white face make-up who speaks nonsense.
I'm afraid that director McClean has outted all of us. We've been faking it for years. Nobody actually understands any film that Lynch has ever made, with the exception of The Elephant man. Film buffs, critics, reviewers have all praised the work of Lynch without the slightest idea about what David's films are about. Oh well, we can still pretend to understand Tarantino.
Characters in the film include; Bruna Matsin as Patricia Rossellini, Dane Bowman as Bill Eraserhead MacLachan, Chas Mitchel as Robert Hopper, Phillip Kelly as Dean Blake, Barry Finnegan as Balthazar Watts, Joe McClean as The Elephant Man and Sarju Patel as Man with head in table.
Much more enjoyable than any Lynch film, Joe McClean has hit the nail on the head. His script is witty and his actors are talented. Especially amusing is Bruna Matsin, someone should grab her up for a Betty Page docudrama.
Now on the film festival rounds, How to Make a David Lynch Film is scheduled to be shown at Dances With Films on June 5th at 12:30pm.
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