Customer Reviews

Lynch on Lynch (Directors on Directors)

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This is a great book written by Chris Rodley that is basically a series of interviews with living legend David Lynch. If you're not into Lynch or his movies at all, I doubt you'll find anything insightful in here but if you appreciate the man at all, this is definitely a must read. It covers a lot of ground on his upbringing, film and art projects. What makes this book such a good read is that Rodley asks great questions to which Lynch answers in a very entertaining fashion. Reading this is probably the closest thing to actually speaking to him and he has an incredible, warm personality. While he doesn't give up his secrets too readily, he does share personal opinions on art in general (film, painting, photography, etc.) and what makes art powerful. He offers invaluable insight on the filmmaking process and some details on what it took to get his films made. He talks about his successes and debacles with equal parts candidness as well. I highly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates Lynch and anyone who digs offbeat filmmakers.

(NOTE: Make sure that if you pick this up, you get the edition that has been revised and updated to include "Mulholland Drive")

In this revised edition of "Lynch on Lynch", two new sections have been added: one on the Straight Story and one on Mulholland Drive. As with the rest of the book the updated sections consist of Chris Rodley interviewing David Lynch. While some of the dialogue does become a bit repetitive, the questions really are well posed. In his answers Lynch gives a glimpse of his creative process and more; for example, he discusses the links between Billy Wilder's Sunset Boulevard and Mulholland Drive, talks about both his frustration with the TV medium and his attraction to it, as well as divulging more about his partnership with composer, Angelo Badalamenti (one of the most productive relationships between director and composer since Fellini and Nino Rota). Black and white photographs from sets are also included throughout.

Considering the book in its entirety, it is a very comprehensive work, covering everything from the aforementioned material to Lynch's childhood, his early work in painting and the first experimental films he directed. This book is still THE one to get for fans of David Lynch. Reading it one comes away with the sense of having actually met and talked with the man himself -- none of the other books on Lynch really capture this feeling.

Those who already own the old version of the book may want to think twice about purchasing the revised edition. The sections added are not all that lengthy and much of the material has already been discussed elsewhere.

LOVED IT! If you are an artist no matter what medium, this book unravels more inspirations than your mind can possibly hold. David Lynch, known for his inability to express himself in words, ironically sends tantilizing pieces emerging into (in my mind) a complete puzzle. The essence of a great artist. Doesn't matter if your style differs from his, its a fundamental uniform feeling we tend to forget. Simplicity is good. Recommendation: Read this book slowly...what's the rush?

Like the rest in this series, "Lynch on Lynch" is a collection of transcripts from interviews between Rodley and Lynch. Anyone who knows Lynch, would know that he doesn't like to reval too much about his films, so don't expect to have your questions answered. Certainly not a cheaters guide to understanding his films, but does give some insights. Not enough biographical info. Very little about Twin Peaks and Fire Walk With Me. The book ends with "Lost Highway", so no "Mulholland Drive" however you can see where lost ideas from past films have been resurrected. Interesting read for true Lynchians.

As a beginning filmmaker I am totally not interested in academic analysis about the films of David Lynch. Most books I read about Lynch before this one, were like that. This book with interviews gave me an insight in the personal drive (to which I can relate very much) behind his ideas for his films and the concrete circumstances under which they were made. I found it very inspiring to read, anecdotal warm and funny and I'm thankful to Lynch and the editor.

A fascinating read. In these extensive interviews, David Lynch tells of his journey from painting student to filmaker. He refuses to interpret his films, as he believes this strips them of their power. He reveals a lot of personal stuff like his fascination with piles of dirt and his obsession with building sheds out of found wood. Through his revelations you become acquainted with the motifs that drive him on. I especially enjoyed his explanations of his urban fears and how they transform themselves from city to city.

This book provides a great insight into the mind of David Lynch, without getting too heady or intellectual about it (like other books can). It's an easy read, and presented in an interview question and answer style.

If you are a Lynch fan, you will enjoy this book which covers Lynch's history and some if his thought processes. Lynch realizes that his art should (and does) speak for itself so he keeps his ground and never talks about exactly what he meant in a particular shot in a film. Instead, he talks about the evoking of feelings and ideas as the genesis for his art.

I would certainly recommend this book as a more entertaining read than the competing texts, some of which are nearly ridiculus in their over-intellectualiztion.

This book is absolutely wonderful! Yeah, there's not many pictures in it, but if you're looking for a picture book, then you will want to try and nab a copy of Lynch's book "Images", which features pretty much every piece of art Lynch has ever done. Anyway, Lynch on Lynch isn't about the pictures. It's about the man behind them. Although I agree that the interviewer tends to get a tad annoying at times, with his obvious lack of true Lynch understanding. But David Lynch is a very intelligent, warm, fun person whose personality comes through in every page of the book. The book is wonderfully separated into chapters based on the different segments of Lynch's life and career...from his childhood all the way to Lost Highway, each chapter spends a good 20-30 pages dealing specifically with each area. There is also a wonderful filmography at the end. This book is a must-read for any Lynch fan who has more than a passing interest in the man behind the movies and tv shows that have forever changed the way we view life.

Faber & Faber's someone on someone series continues to jump to the peak of its market. Here Chris Rodley interviews David Lynch, writer/director of such cult classics as Blue Velvet, Twin Peaks and Eraserhead to find out exactly what makes the Lynch lad tick. Truth be told, this can't top Cronenberg on Cronenberg but still benefits because Lynch himself is a true genius and a man who is genuinely interesting. Rodley's questions prove to be entertaining and although Lynch is from time to time somewhat evasive, we can see why. "The mystery lies in the unknown" is one of Lynch's favourite comments and perhaps explains why he does not reveal everything. All over though it is a highly informative book that provides great insight into Lynch's background, works and inner motivation.

This book is a thorough and inspiring look into David Lynch's head. The original (which ended at Lost Highway) was a good read, but I think they were a little too fast to put out the second version. The newest revision ends right at Mulholland Drive. This is great for the reason that you get to read about him doing an unexpected Disney movie and also his battle with ABC over Mulholland Drive. You even get to read a little about his practice of Transcendental Meditation, which is kept graciously short as the man could usually (and has) fill books on the subject. However, I feel they jumped the gun here. Just after Mulholland Drive, DavidLynch.com and DV recording changed the man's entire approach. Any aspiring film maker and/or Lynch fan would completely benefit from his insight on such endeavors. For someone who went to the American Film Institute to completely do away with film is phenomenal and demands discussion. The internet has really put a spin on his work as well, considering his newfound freedom. This book, while masterfully executed by Chris Rodley, needs at least one more revision on the aforementioned topics. Before that happens, we're not given the entire glimpse into the man's complete range and utter ability to adapt to the times. By all means, read this book, you just might want to wait for the second revision.