Mulholland Drive [DVD]

Star ratings are irrelevant at the best of times, never more so than with a film that can only really be enjoyed by subscribing to its writer-director's modus operandi. After that it's a process of unravelling. On a surface level Mulholland Drive, looking like a Sunset Strip murder melodrama, seems shallow and schlocky. Which is, of course, half the point.A film set in an ostentatious city of extremes, the action shifts from mystery, through horror and farce, to tragedy with unshowy elegance. Lynch's techniques might be bamboozling, but this can be seen as a simple, sad tale of a starstruck loner, Diane (Naomi Watts), spurned by love, and now in love with an impossible dream. What emerges from Lynch's seductive, oneiric aesthetic is a powerful, angry attack on the poisonous hierarchy of celebrity. This is about the obliteration of the individual; the destruction of one woman's sense of self.Diane, as her imagined alter-ego Betty, conjures a dreamworld in which she arrives, starry-eyed, in the City of Angels, and finds a fallen angel: "Rita" (Laura Harring), a beauty in the classic Hayworth mould, who has lost her memory after a car accident. In her fantasy, Diane/Betty not only lives a life of intrigue and wealth, but also retains her integrity - both in terms of her acting ability and in the grace she shows toward her secret roommate. In her fantasy, Betty is as strong as the jealousy that sucks the life from Diane. Those she hates - specifically, Rita's director and lover, Adam (Justin Theroux) - are condemned to squalor and emasculation. Betty satisfies Rita sexually. Betty makes Rita whole, and Betty is loved for it.There's dread in droves. A blind woman comes to the door, but she cannot wake Betty. There is a "monster" lurking behind Winkie's Diner, which could be the embodiment of Betty's fear. Fairy tale motifs abound: keys to open curiosities, and dangerous red in abundance. But poor Betty is blinded by the stars.Lynch dallies once more with the Moebius strip narrative. Is this what hell looks like - to relive our life on the fragments of memory, shattered like a skull by a self-inflicted bullet? Or is Lynch simply shuffling the narrative pack, portraying these dreadful events as an abstract artist envisions the horror of death, in a way that movies will never quite manage?As the camera explores the catacombs behind the façade of the boulevard like a prowling creature, Lynch's sense of space and light has never been better. We are guests in the grey area between waking and sleep, only to find it's been painted all gaudy. Scenes - such as when Adam is summoned to a ranch to take counsel with a sage cowboy - are seemingly conjured by Betty in the way one recalls a conversation in a dream: rationalised, making purposeful the philosophical, retrospectively plotting a narrative, writing our own film. Perhaps that's the delight of Mulholland Drive: in filling the gaps, we are allowed to make the film our own.

As a David Lynch film, this is great, one of my favorites. What I really was hoping for in getting the Blu-ray from the UK (it's region B btw, so you'll need a player that does that) was that maybe, just maybe, that little bit of censorship in the scene with the two lovely ladies would not be there. Alas... the stunning Laura Harring drops her towel and that big blurry triangle is still there, and on Blu-ray it just looks ridiculous (why even do a full frontal nude and then censor it like that??). So, basically it's the same as the US release ever since I saw it on DVD... And in following up on the whole issue apparently it was Laura who requested that DL do that for the DVD release... so we can stop looking for an HD format that doesn't have it.The other thing I find rather annoying (which might have been in the DVD too, don't remember) is there's no proper scene selection - it's totally random, and the chapter cue buttons are disabled, too. WTF.The transfer looks AWESOME though, great color and resolution - going back to the scene when Laura Harring takes off the towel, after that there are nice shots of her face close-up and the detail of her lovely features is amazing. Also, this disc features four language selections (I think it's French, Italian, Nederlands, and UK) right up front and tailors the UI from that point based on your selection. It will ask again each time (at least it did on my player) so I actually checked it out with UK and again in French.

My first introduction to Mulholland Drive came when my family went to see it. Upon their return I asked them what the film was about. Their response? 'You can't describe it'. So I went with a friend to the cinema to see for myself. The film was trully stunning and one of the greatest cinematic experiences of my life. But I could not understand what the Hell had just happened! We spent the next two hours walking through town, eventually sitting down by a basketball court with a couple of cokes trying to work out just what is supposed to have happened. The film is incredible on so many levels; its unusual structure to the plot allows for many, otherswise impossible occurances like the creepy meeting in the coral with the 'Cowboy', the strange, crippled mobster and the eccentric, espresso loving gangsters, the 'monster' behind Winkies and many others. The best scenes in the film are the terrifying discovery in Diane Selwyn's house, the audtion for the singers (with the dream Camilla singing a cheesey 50s style lover song that makes me shiver now), the scene in the bedroom (hey, I'm only a man) and the shudderingly powerful part in Club Silencio. The directing is unique and very innovative, the acting is outstanding, especially Naomi Watts (not since Al Pacino had an actor changed so subtely, so much in one film) and the plot (both before you understand it but even more so after) is amazing. Without doubt, the best film so far this millenium, I believe, that like Citizen Kane, Shawshank Redemption and others overlooked at the time, it will be remembered as a trully great film. Watch it, then watch it again, and again until you get it, trust me , it's worth it!

Película de culto con una hermosa Naomi Watts

The movie "Mulholland Drive" (brand new restoration approved by David Lynch) arrived on time and in good condition. As usual, thankyou Amazon (Au) and Australia Post for swift despatch and delivery.The movie (Mulholland Drive) explores the manipulative (Machiavellian > political) - behind the scenes - manoeuvres of the Hollywood entertainment power brokers (puppeteers). We observe how the master puppeteers pull on the strings attached to the movie producers and directors (marionettes) making them dance to the tune of the puppeteers own liking (influencing their creativity). Furthermore, we see how personal relationships between the players (actors) are exploited in fulfilling individual agendas (with fatal cruelty).Although the the story isn't particularly original, (the contained themes have been around for some time) the script is well crafted (it's the degree to which these elemental (sub) themes are introduced and combined that makes this movie sensational). Intrigue and suspense are built-up in layers, (as the tale progresses) often in revelations contained in flashbacks. The flashbacks aren't intrusive and don't hinder the flow and the brisk pace of this film. My attention and curiosity were constantly maintained throughout this riveting movie.Cinematograph is impressive: particularly framing, camera angles and lighting. The acting talent gave pleasing performances in their character portrayals. All are convincing in their rolls.This particular restoration is not my "cup of tea". My first impression (upon initial viewing) was that the film looked drab and tired. Whilst the image has satisfactory definition, it lacks vibrancy, energy and "life". Perhaps, due to the layer of film grain, present (digital noise is insignificant). Still, others maybe quiet happy with this restoration (personal choice). Myself, I am prepared to accept the restoration (appearance) because of the quality of the content (script plus acting)."Mulholland Drive" is a brilliant movie, only let down (somewhat) by it's appearance. A rating of 5 plus stars for the production content 3 stars for the restoration (visual aspect).

Ehe ihr mir jetzt Arroganz vorwerft, weil ich mir einbilde, die Handlung von A-Z verstanden zu haben - nein, das ist nicht der Fall. Aber ich kann nicht akzeptieren, dass gesagt wird, Lynch hätte keinen roten Faden beim Drehbuch und seiner Verwirklichung gehabt. Man kann aufgrund der wunderbaren Bilder, der großartigen Darstellerinnen und der traumhaften, surreal anmutenden Atmosphäre den Film auch ohne Suche nach dem roten Faden ansehen und ihn wunderbar finden - oder gnadenlos verreißen.Der Film handelt von einer blonden und einer dunkelhaarigen Frau, die das Schicksal in Hollywood zusammenführt. und endet mit einem Selbstmord aus enttäuschter Liebe und beruflicher Frustration. Wie es dazu kommt, wird nicht chronologisch, nicht linear erzählt, und ein nicht unerheblicher Teil besteht aus Träumen von Betty Elms (Naomi Watts), in denen sie Erlebtes verarbeitet, Wünsche träumt, Misserfolge wie das Vorspielen für eine Filmrolle schönträumt, reellen Personen eine andere Rolle zuteilt und noch mehr, was es zu entdecken und entschlüsseln gilt.Einige Vorrezensenten haben großartige Deutungen geliefert:Persönliches Schicksal, das weitgehend vorbestimmt ist, man habe nur in sehr engem Rahmen die Möglichkeit, den Verlauf zu ändern. Der Mensch wie ein Goldfisch im Glas, der über den Horizont des Glases blicken kann, aber durch das Glas nur geringen Bewegunsfreiraum hat.Traumdeutung. In Träumen wird Erlebtes verarbeitet, Misserfolg verdrängt, schöngeträumt, reellen Personen werden andere Rollen zugeteilt (Coco), Schuld verdrängt u.v.a.m.Schein und Sein, die Theaterszene, in der der gesamte Ton sich als Playback darstellt, gleichzeitig auch zu deuten, dass die Welt sich weiterdreht, wenn ein Akteur ausfällt (Lied geht nach Zusammenbruch der Sängerin weiter).In vielen Rezensionen habe ich richtige Deutungen gelesen, bisher keine, die mich den Film hat von Anfang bis Ende komplett hat verstehen lassen. Die Handlung ist nicht linear, sie kann es auch gar nicht sein, manche Träume verarbeiten Erlebtes, andere Träume sind Hoffnungen auf zukünftige Entwicklungen. Um beim Bild des Fadens zu bleiben: Lynch hat ihn zerschnitten und nicht chronologisch wieder zusammengeknotet, manchmal fasert er auch auf, und diese Faser endet im Leeren, oder sie fügt sich wieder in den Faden ein.Ein schönes Bild, von Lynch im Interview erläutert, ist der "Mulholland Drive", eine Strasse, die zu Beginn einen Unfall erlebt, den nur Rita (Laura Helena Harring) überlebt: eine kurvige Strasse auf einem Bergrücken mit Blick auf Los Angelos, mit Abzweigungen, über die Rita in die Wohnung kommt, in der sie von Betty gefunden wird, eine Abzweigung zu dem Anwesen, wo Rita die Heirat mit dem Regisseur verkündet und Betty die Diane Selwyn (auch von Naomi Watts gespielt) kennenlernt, die Rita (bzw. Camilla Rhodes) küsst, welche nach dem Unfall ihr Gedächtnis verloren hat und sich inspiriert durch ein Filmplakat nach der Hayworth eben Rita nennt. Aber hat Betty das nicht nur geträumt???Je öfter man sich den Film ansieht, desto mehr mag es gelingen, den "falsch" zusammengeknoteten Faden wieder in die richtige Reihenfolge zu bringen und sehen, welche Abzweigungen ins Leere laufen oder sich wieder einfügen. Nicht unmöglich, dass man manches noch falscher zusammenfügt, man wird außer den 10 "kryptischen Hinweisen" weitere sehen wie eine Szene, in der Betty mit dem blauen Schlüssel das würfelförmige blaue Kästchen öffnet und der Film seine Ebene wechselt.Zusammenfassend hat Lynch kein unentschlüsselbares Rätsel daduch geliefert, dass es nicht alles zu entschlüsseln gibt, er vergleicht im Interview den Film mit Literatur, einem Buch, dessen Autor nach der Veröffentlichung verstorben ist und deshalb zur Interpretation nicht mehr befragt werden kann. Lynch hat nicht eine sinnlose Zusammenstellung von Szenen geliefert, auf die sich jeder einen anderen Reim machen kann, es wird eine ganz klare Struktur geben, die Lynch beim Schreiben des Buches und Drehen des Filmes im Kopfe hatte. Sie ist nicht unentschlüsselbar, aber es mag dauern oder auch misslingen, da Traumdeutungen auch mit einer Unsicherheit behaftet sind. Wenn zwei das Gleiche träumen ist es noch lange nicht dasselbe (schlagt nach, >das Gleiche< und >dasselbe< sind intuitiv (Bauchgefühl) korrekt gross und klein, getrennt und zusammen gechrieben).Man wird aufgefordert, nachzudenken, Spuren zu verfolgen und wieder fallen zu lassen, weiter Aha-Erlebnisse durch weitere Schlüsselszenen - mit oder ohne - Schlüssel finden, und verachtet auch das Bauchgefühl nicht. Manche verachten es, weil es "unwissenschaftlich" sei. Das ist grundfalsch!Gegebenenfalls überspringt den Abschnitt, einen Ausflug in die Neurophysiologie!Das Bauchgefühl ist eine unverzichtbare Funktion zentraler Hinstrukturen, ohne die wir kaum lebensfähig wären. Der Neurologe Oliver Sacks beschreibt einen Menschen mit einem IQ von um 140, der es aus welchen Gründen auch immer nicht mehr hat. Der Mensch kommt im Alltag nicht klar, er kann vielleicht komplizierte Gleichungen lösen, vielleicht scheitert er aber schon vor Beginn. Er hat nämlich viele wahrscheinlich gleichwertige Alternativen: er kann mit Kuli oder Bleistift arbeiten, und jetzt überlegt er ganz vernünftig eine halbe Ewigkeit, was er nehmen soll. Beides hat Vorteile und Nachteile. Er kann überlegen, ob er vorher, zwischendurch oder hinterher noch etwas anderes macht, bei fast jeder Entscheidung haben wir Alternativen, über deren Vordringlichkeit wir ewig nachdenken können und dann nie etwas machen (es sei denn, Mutter Natur sagt uns, das wir jetzt unbedingt etwas trinken müssen). Etliche Entscheidungen, die wir treffen, geschehen automatisch, aus Erfahrung, ohne dass wir grossartig darüber nachdenken müssen, aus dem Bauch heraus. Das Bauchgefühl kann uns natürlich auch mal täuschen, wir treffen aufgrund von verankerten Erfahrungen falsche Entscheidungen. Aber das Bauchgefühl lässt uns sehr oft intuitiv das Richtige tun, ohne ewig Für und Wider abwägen zu müssen.Ende des AusflugesMan kann den Film fast gar nicht verstanden haben, er kann einem trotzdem gefallen , nicht nur wegen der großartigen Bilder und der beiden fantastischen Hauptdarstellerinnen (und ja, Laura Elene Harring war tatsächlich einmal Miss America), sondern weil uns unser Gefühl sagt., der Film ist "richtig", wir können es nur rational (noch) nicht erklären. Wer das Gefühl nicht hat, ist beileibe nicht dumm, für dumm halte ich nur den, der den Film unbegründet verreißt.Einige Rezensenten haben mich erheblich weitergebracht und finden sich vielleicht teilweise hier wieder, keiner hat den Film vollständig durchschaut und behauptet das in seiner Rezension, aber viele haben manch Rätsel gelöst, Zusammenhänge erläutert, auf Schlüsselszenen verwiesen. Wahrscheinlich wird er nie voll verstanden werden, denn Träume sind vieldeutig, und was Betty träumt, ist ja nicht allgemeingültig, sondern Lynchs Vorstellung, was dieser Traum bedeuten soll, seine Gedankenwelt.Vielleicht löst Lynch das Rätsel einmal, vielleicht auch erst in seinem Nachlass. Bis dahin möge noch viel Zeit vergehen und David Lynch uns noch viele seiner unverwechselbaren Werke bescheren. "Lost Highway" (auch da gibt es eine Szene mit einem über eine nächtliche Straße rasenden Wagen) habe ich als weniger verzwickt empfunden und das Gefühl, Lynchs Aussage mehr verstanden zu haben als bei "Mulholland Drive", ich fühle mich fast gezwungen, beide Filme noch mehrmals zu sehen, weil es immer noch mehr zu entdecken und zu entschlüsseln gibt.Und sollte Lynch irgenwann einmal eine kompeltte Deutung und Erklärung aller Details liefern, bleiben sicher immer noch Fragen offen, weil er Lynchs Gedankenwelt, seine Assoziationen zeigt, die er z.B. Betty träumen lässt. Wenn man sich in diesem Sinne auf diesen Film einlässt, dann kann er uns bis ans Lebensende beschäftigen und immer noch Neues entdecken lassen. Welcher Film kann das schon von sich behaupten?Ich würde mich freuen, wenn ihr von dieser Rezension profitiert und hoffe, ein kleines Detail zur Lösung des Lynch'schen Rätselspieles beigetragen zu haben.Für mich gehört dieses (alb-)traumhafte MEISTERWERK zu den BESTEN FIMEN ALLER ZEITEN, und ich denke, mit dieser Einschätzung stehe ich nicht alleine da.Doc Halliday

Preparatevi ad uno dei capolavori assoluti del cinema moderno; nominato all'oscar nel 2001, vincitore di "miglior regia" a Cannes , apprezzato dal pubblico e dai critici cinematografici. Ho il piacere di recensire una delle migliori pellicole del regista, ovvero "Mulholland Drive" del 2001 di David Lynch.Prima di cominciare con la recensione vi faccio una piccola premessa; se siete stanchi e avete voglia di un film leggero per passare la serata, questo film non fa assolutamente per voi. Per me è il thriller più complesso ed enigmatico che abbia mai visto, quindi se avete intenzione di vederlo per la prima volta, dovrete prestare molta attenzione ai dettagli e indizi che vi verranno proposti.Cercherò di spiegarvi la trama in maniera abbastanza semplice, anche se nel film non sarà così. Betty Elms, una ragazza solare, bella e intelligente, sogna di fare l'attrice. Appena arrivata a Hollywood si dirige subito da sua zia Roth, dove rimarrà fino alla partecipazione di un provino. All'interno dell'appartamento ci sarà una mora di nome Rita affetta da amnesia; all'interno della sua borsa Betty trova un bel po di soldi e una chiave blu. Betty sarà determinante nello scoprire l'identità della misteriosa donna in una città dove di bello c'è soltanto il nome, e tanta oscurità che avvolgerà le due protagoniste circondate da un regista impacciato, mafia sparsa per tutta Hollywood, un tizio che si fa chiamare il "il cowboy" e molto altro ancora. Diciamo che vi ho riassunto la trama nel modo più semplice possibile, appena vedrete il film sarete esterrefatti!!Stiamo parlando di un film di David Lynch e quindi non mi dilungherò molto. Il film è straordinariamente geniale con una sceneggiatura ed una regia uniche che contraddistinguono il regista. Quasi tutte le pellicole di Lynch sono incentrate tra sogno e realtà dove lo spettatore non riuscirà a distinguere l'una dall'altra; il coinvolgimento in questo film è alla base di tutto grazie non solo alla regia ma anche alle musiche composte da Angelo Badalamenti che ha lavorato in quasi tutti i film del regista. La fotografia rispecchia il genere, un thriller in pieno stile noir dove quando cala la notte, l'oscurità avvolgerà Hollywood mostrando tutti gli aspetti negativi della città. Inoltre non poteva mancare un cast perfetto! Le protagoniste sono quelle gnocche di Naomi Watts e Laura Harring che sono perfette per la parte che svolgono, poi abbiamo Mark Pellegrino e tantissimi altri attori.Mulholland Drive, sicuramente si merita un 9. Credo che sia uno dei migliori film degli ultimi 20 anni se non di più. Chi non è abiutato ai film di Lynch vedrà sequenze di scene che non avranno senso, e infatti apparentemente sembrerà non avere un senso, ma nel profondo un significato c'è, ed il bello delle pellicole di Lynch è che non ti spiega come finiscono, egli sfida lo spettatore ad arrivarci da solo con la propria testa anche se non sarà semplice. Vi confesso che la maggior parte degli indizi ho dovuto capirli solamente tramite i contenuti speciali, questo perchè dopo la prima visione ho sentito il bisogno di capire molte cose, il film mi aveva coinvolto talmente tanto che la curiosità era arrivata alle stelle; sicuramente il mio preferito di Lynch al momento! Per adesso vi consiglio "Strade Perdute" sempre di Lynch che è molto simile a Mulholland Drive. Se amate il surrealismo e Lynch questo film non ve lo potete assolutamente perdere. Garantito!!

I had to purchase a second copy since my first one began to skip. This work of art got under my skin like no other. Someone recently posted a review here which reminded me that I had wanted to update my thoughts on this film which seems like a never ending journey. I am writing more an alternate way to view the film rather than a review. It is likely I will be unable to express this in a way others will be able to relate to but here goes...My appreciation and perspective continue to evolve as I explore further the wondrous world of Mulholland Drive. Conceptually for me, Lynch has created a beautiful and surreal picture of the mysterious workings within the psyche and all of the films characters ultimately can be seen as interacting mental forces within the subconscious mind. I further interpret it as a masterfully creative representation of Eastern based philosophical concepts like "oneness", and "desire being the basis of suffering" and "the path to nirvana is within each person". I almost imagine a tiny grain of truth wrapped in infinite layers of illusion, representing a conceptual model pertaining to Eastern philosophy. The title "Mulholland Drive" can bring forth many possible interpretations, one of which is "Material Ambition" where the self centered dream/desire (Hollywood) of material success (Mulholland and Hollywood) becomes the drive/ambition which leads to suffering.Many may know of David Lynch's lifelong practice of Transcendental Meditation or TM. It led to his establishing the David Lynch Foundation, which seeks to promote TM with the goal of spreading world peace. Please check this on the web if you are unaware of how committed he is to TM and consider how it could inform and inspire his work. Perhaps some may also be aware of his thoughts regarding the comparison of TM to something in physics called the "unified field theory". My admittedly limited understanding of this "unified field theory" as it applies to TM, suggest that there exist an essence of ultimate awareness or enlightenment laying at the center of many layers of consciousness (this may not be exactly correct). Devotees suggest TM can allow an individual to begin to reach for this ultimate level within (and more).Anyway, I have begun to experience the film as an infinitely layered symbolic representation of concepts related to Eastern philosophical thought like "desire is the basis of all suffering". The model might be extended to represent the unified field theory too but I am not exactly sure exactly what it is. From this POV, there exist any number of layers of multiple "outside solutions" wrapped around layers of "inner interpretations" further wrapping a center "point" of "inner enlightenment" or "ultimate reality". The "outer" layers are illusionary stories, where viewers extrapolate their own personal solutions outside of the films actual content. These are mostly regarding what I consider a physical reality based story of a woman's Hollywood experience and involve deducing scenarios not contained within the film, to arrive at what the viewer considers a logical "real world" solution. Though I believe these are never complete, many apparently are satisfied at that point though will have had to create something not explicitly shown in the film or have some questions remaining. These deduced explanations might be comparable to "illusions" of the physical world where what we expect will provide ultimate happiness are false paths, never leading to complete contentment. These outside layers wrap around more non-physical dreams and mindscapes which begin to increasingly rely more on the films literal content with more elements remaining "inside" the film. This can be reinforced once discerning a film "language", made up of every element and includes lighting, names, locations, colors, wardrobe, dialogue, sequencing, editing, props, titles, sounds, music, credits etc. as well as DL's own history. This "language" is elegant and wonderful once the willing viewer is able to let go of conventional viewing and grasp the simplicity of it. Perhaps that too is a philosophical connection which might suggest enlightenment is simply "seeing what is". If one simply sees what is in the film, a new enlightenment, interpretation or understanding is possible.Delving deeper into the mindscapes and metaphor, the film can suddenly open up to where everything begins coming together to reveal a wondrous symbolic allegory illustrating the unseen internal danger possible when choosing a self centered material existence over a more loving and compassionate one. All characters could be imagined as representing various identities inside of "one" being, interacting within a mental world inside "the mind". Think beyond guilt, desire, id, ego and super ego. Think beyond male and female or young and old. Think beyond dream and reality, into the most fundamental element of our humanity and existence (or perhaps the unified field). For me, Lynch has painted a beautiful and surreal picture of the mysterious workings within our heads where all of the characters represent interconnected mental forces within the subconscious mind. These are the very real forces that somehow create the electric impulses that lead to the decisions we make and affect how our lives will be. We expect the physical and material world of "the good life" to provide happiness at the risk of our inner well being and the "good life". Deciphering the "language of the film" can allow the viewer to gain a more "unified" understanding...similar to what some suggest occurs when learning the language of Transcendental Meditation or seek Nirvana. I get a feeling of the film representing an adult lifetime of desire and a guilt born of remorse that results in an empty, lonely and frightened inner reality being forever replayed, never to attain a permanent state of contentment. It can be imagined that the physical layers surrounding this depiction of the repetitive mental allegory may be analogous to the way Lynch may view the unified field theory at the center of all being.Okay, I know it may sound crazy. I know next to nothing of Eastern Philosophy and I believe there exists many parallels in the film which I will never be aware. But for me, this view has resulted in the film blossoming in seemingly endless ways which build on each other with detail upon detail becoming somehow wondrously connected to the whole. This takes Mulholland Drive into a realm beyond cinema to become (for me at least) a unique and thought provoking experience. Perhaps even "mind expanding". I DO NOT claim to have a complete understanding, but every viewing brings some further observation or "enlightenment", enriching the experience for me. It also has made me curious about TM and other meditative paths. I am aware that many consider TM a cult or religion of sorts and warn of the dangers if one is susceptible to certain sales techniques. It is my nature to be skeptical and resist being led, but I also like to "keep an open mind".Oldgoldtop