Few filmmakers have become as well-known or distinct an entity as David Lynch. Throughout the 80s, 90s and beyond, Lynch has been responsible for some of the most acclaimed and groundbreaking films of all time, among them Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive, and The Elephant Man. In addition to his achievements in film, Lynch also revolutionized and changed television with Twin Peaks, his landmark series which ran from 1990-1991 and later returned in 2017 with the acclaimed epic The Return.
Despite his prolific nature, Lynch hasn't released a feature film since 2006's Inland Empire, and this has prompted fans to speculate whether he would make a return or if he's stepping away and is done directing feature films for good. While one could never say never with a filmmaker as elusive as Lynch, there are plenty of reasons why he should consider gracing us with one last project on the sliver screen. Here's our take on why the world needs one more David Lynch film.
He's Still Got Some Tricks Up His Sleeve
If his series of broadcast videos and work on 2017's Twin Peaks: The Return are any indication, Lynch clearly still has the ability to create surreal and captivating material. While he's been out of the spotlight a bit, it's obvious from his latest work Lynch is still fascinated in the medium and in exploring abstract concepts and themes. After the success of The Return, many have noted Lynch appears to be laying the groundwork for some future projects and concepts to explore as well.
With every David Lynch movie, the director has made a masterpiece in each decade for fifty years except this one, and many feel he's due for another. With his fascination with progression in technology, Lynch could fitfully adapt his style to today's modern cinema and deliver a unique experience. While he's been very sly on the subject, fans believe Lynch has plenty of ideas left for another feature film.
He Deserves The Recognition
For many years, Lynch's films were regarded as cult classic movies on the outskirts of mainstream acceptance until eventually they began to be recognized for their innovations. With the help of the important Criterion Collection, Lynch has become arguably popular and no longer just a niche director. With his legacy cemented, Lynch deserves to be held in regard as one of the all-time filmmaking greats and one last film could help solidify that.
Many directors achieve their most universal praise later in their careers, and Lynch has been steadily riding the momentum for some time now. Releasing a film now would further help showcase how groundbreaking and influential a talent Lynch is. With the demand ever present, a new release from Lynch would put another feather in his cap of masterpieces, and now that he has a large fan base, it could be the most successful film he's ever made just by virtue of being his.
A Sense of Closure
Lynch's last film Inland Empire, like many of his films, ended on an ambiguous note. The sense of the unresolved has been a staple in Lynch's catalog for quite some time now, however a final project from him may go a step towards fulfilling a sense of closure. With such an elusive and eclectic filmography, a final feature from Lynch could be an epic swan song and a way of tying together several of his favorite themes.
Many directors tend to end their careers with a magnum opus. While some do choose to fade away quietly, for a filmmaker as recognized as Lynch, having one last achievement could truly encapsulate his appeal. Whether that ever comes to fruition, a final film from Lynch has the ability to close out one of the most significant chapters in cinema history excitingly. Overall, the opportunity for another film from David Lynch holds several exhilarating possibilities for the legendary filmmaker to make a stamp on an impeccable career which has been honored by the likes of the Academy Awards with an honorary Oscar.
It'd Be An Experience Like No Other
The one thing that could be said about David Lynch's movies is that they're usually unlike anything average viewers are used to and are said to have birthed their own subgenre. Whether it's entirely successful or not, each piece of his body of work is memorable and is designed to elicit strong responses from the viewer. Judging from his recent output, anything that Lynch would create would be bound to be innovative and distinct.
After successfully shaking TV to its core with The Return in 2017, anything committed to the big screen would surely be as breathtaking and surreal. With so much of today's movies being dedicated to franchises, reboots, and sequels, the cinema is more than ripe for a true Lynchian experience. While many of his films are polarizing, one cannot deny that a Lynch film is unlike anything they'll ever witness.
We Need Lynch Now More Than Ever
With the current trends in the film industry, original storytelling is becoming less common. Even less so is the idea of the auteur filmmaker whose works are solely and uniquely theirs. Having visionaries such as Lynch present allows for new ground to be broken within the medium. If he decides to grace us with one last feature, modern cinema would benefit tremendously from it.
In an era of franchises, having a purely original and singular film is a rarity that would very much be appreciated by diehard cinephiles. A final feature from David Lynch would be the perfect remedy for those looking to be reminded of the pure probabilities of the cinema. While time will tell if that ever manifests, it's apparent from The Return that he's very much still in command of his craft. For that reason alone, cinema needs the surreal and twisted brilliance of David Lynch now more than ever. It may or may not happen but if it ever does, Lynch's swan song will be the ultimate cinematic experience that showcases his true impact on the medium.