About David Lynch: The Art Life

David Lynch: The Art Life (2016) is a fascinating documentary chronicling the life and creative processes of American iconic filmmaker and visual artist, David Lynch. Directed by Jon Nguyen, Rick Barnes, and Olivia Neergaard-Holm, the film offers an intimate perspective on Lynch’s formative years – from his upbringing in small-town America, to his experiences in fine art school in Philadelphia, and the journey to creating his breakthrough film, Eraserhead.

Making / Production

The film is a intricate portrait of Lynch's art, music and early films, shining a light into the dark corners of his unique world. The viewer gets to experience the materialization of Lynch’s creations from his own words and actions, giving fans a better understanding of Lynch as an artist and a man.

Actors

• David Lynch, as Himself - Aided by his personal archives and speaking into a microphone from his painting studio in the Hollywood Hills, Lynch narrates his story. His implacable calm, enigmatic persona, and unconventional artistic philosophy propels the narrative of the film.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This movie sheds light on the fact that David Lynch had chosen to devote his life to the 'Art Life' - he defines this as "you drink coffee, you smoke cigarettes, and you paint, and that’s it".
• This documentary was strung together from over 20 conversations that were recorded and filmed over a period of many years at Lynch's own home.
• The film features a few of his unstable and unhappy moments, shedding a newer light on the almost-reclusive artist.

Awards

This film was nominated for the Venice Horizons Award at the 73rd Venice International Film Festival in 2016.

Quotes

• "I think every time you do something, like a painting or whatever, you go with ideas, and sometimes the past can conjure those ideas and color them." - David Lynch.
• "I had this idea that you drink coffee, you smoke cigarettes, and this is the life of the artist." - David Lynch.
• "I like to remember things my own way... how I remember them, not necessarily the way they happened." - David Lynch.

Music, Soundtrack

• The almost minimalist soundtrack suits the film well, composed mostly by Jonatan Bengta.
• Jonatan Bengta's musical contribution has a dark resonance that syncs well with the visuals and words of David Lynch.
• Sound design by Kristian Eidnes Andersen adds to the soundscape, enhancing the viewing experience.