David Lynch's
Mulholland Drive tells several stories. For the most part it is about a woman who was in a car accident and has amnesia. Another woman tries to help her discover her identity while also being an aspiring actress. The film combines aspects of film noir and surrealism. Unlike most films, this film isn't all that linear and is oftentimes difficult to follow.
Although the film has film noir aspects and has a title which alludes to
Sunset Boulevard, this film is almost completely different. Some of the plot elements such as aspiring talent in Hollywood are similar, but the film more closely resembles the Italian film
8½. Like
8½ this film spends a great deal of time discussing a director making a film. The film even goes so far as to cast Justin Theroux and give him an appearance much like Marcello Mastroianni (playing Guido) in
8½ - he wears a similar costume and wears dark glasses throughout the film.
The acting in this film is pretty good. While Naomi Watts' performance is a little weak when she is first introduced and meets the amnesic woman, it becomes rather strong as the film progresses.
Overall, this film comes off as well below average. While its surrealism is the most praises aspect of the film, it does not appear all that original borrowing far too heavily on the vastly superior
8½.
55/100
FUP NEXT:
L.A. Confidential.
_________________
Coming Soon: A better signature!