Reviewed by Michael Leader
Stars David Lynch | Produced by Søren Larsen, Brynn McQuade, Jon Nguyen, Jason S
UK cert E | UK RRP £15.99 | DVD Region 2 | Runtime 84 minutes | Directed by blackANDwhite
David Lynch's films are often inscrutable, inspired and indulgent in nature. However, the work seems at odds with the unassuming demeanour of the director himself, who stands by his self-written, cheeky biography of 'Filmmaker. Born Missoula, MT. Eagle Scout.' Lynch (One) is an impressionistic, artful sort of documentary, directed by an anonymous band of filmmakers under the moniker blackANDwhite, which attempts to get to grips with the artist and his work.
Reportedly shot over two years, starting in 2004, Lynch (One) progresses as a series of anecdotes and encounters, filmed candidly on a variety of lo-fi formats, showing Lynch chatting about his practice of transcendental meditation, relating stories from his young days living in Philadelphia, and recording the daily weather report for his website. These sequences are equally pleasant, insightful and dull, with Lynch affirming his reputation as a sort of kooky, long-winded great uncle of avant-garde cinema.
The film takes a sharp turn as Lynch announces his then-new, digitally shot work Inland Empire, and starts to intuitively feel his way through this 'experiment'. The crew follow him from LA to New York and ?ód?, Poland, and carefully document his hands-on approach to the set, costume and sound design, as well as his confidence and tender handling of the cast. More interesting, though, are the moments of frustration and doubt, which are brief, but illuminating.
Despite offering these kernels of insight, Lynch (One) leaves references unexplained, and places Lynch, and Inland Empire, mostly out of context - which will more likely confuse or alienate the unconverted viewer. More of a DVD extra, then, than a standalone dissection.
EXTRAS ** A mish-mash of vignettes ('Work', 'Blue Green', 'Floor Sander', 'What's Myspace?'), photo montages ('?ód?') and teaser-trailers for the other installments in the proposed Lynch documentary series.