When news broke this morning that David Lynch would not be able to direct another movie on set ever again, and that he can only, maybe, do it remotely, many film fans were saddened by this development. Lynch is an all-time great filmmaker and the thought of never seeing another film, or TV show, from him saddened millions.
Hot off the wire, here’s a social media post, from Lynch himself, clearing up any rumors of retirement. He’s going to try and continue on with his art, whether it means film, painting, music, sculpting or writing.
I find it amusing that Lynch does not regret smoking and reiterates that in his statement. Over the years, he hasn’t been shy in conveying his love for cigarettes.
Regardless, I don’t believe anyone thought he was actually “retiring” completely from the arts. That’s been his life blood for decades. He can continue sculpting or painting or making music until he dies.
However, the question remains whether he will ever make another film. In today’s Sight and Sound interview, he hinted at potentially directing from home, via zoom or another video app, and that remains a possibility, even if doesn’t constitute his own vision of how you should direct a film.
Also, I wonder if the Sight and Sound interviewer made his condition sound worse off than it actually was. Hopefully, we’ll have an answer soon. It’d be wonderful to get one final statement from the man they call “The Wizard of Odd.” His last few attempts at greenlighting project failed, but there’s surely someone out there who would want to fund this man.
Lynch has had a storied career as a filmmaker, and everyone seems to have their own favorite film of his. His seminal works include “Mulholland Drive,” “Blue Velvet,” “Eraserhead,” “The Elephant Man,” “Twin Peaks,” and “Wild at Heart.”