David Lynch’s Unsolvable Puzzles

This Critics at Large podcast episode from The New Yorker is a panel discussion reviewing the life and work of David Lynch following his death. The hosts discuss their individual rewatches of Lynch's films (Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive, Twin Peaks), analyzing recurring themes such as the blurring of dream and reality, violence against women, and the juxtaposition of Americana with the macabre. They explore Lynch's influence on various art forms, including photography and fashion, citing specific examples like a Comme des Garcons collection inspired by Lynch's work. The discussion concludes by considering whether current societal anxieties and political climates reflect a "Lynchian" atmosphere, highlighting the unsettling yet darkly humorous aspects of his work. The hosts ultimately suggest that Lynch's invitation to interpretation and the inherent ambiguity in his films offer a form of hope.