This unique documentary takes a look at the influence The Wizard of Oz has had on David Lynch's career...
Director: Alexandre O. Philippe
Starring: Rodney Ascher, Justin Benson, John Waters
Running time: 108 minutes
What can be said about the works of David Lynch? Throughout his storied career, which has spanned 55 years, ten features, five TV series and many short films, Lynch has created some of the most unique cinematic imagery. He has not shied away from wearing his influences on his sleeve and it is his most famous influence which forms the basis of Alexandre O. Phillippe’s (The People Vs George Lucas; The Life and Times of Paul the Psychic Octopus) new documentary.
Lynch/Oz is a deep dive into the influence of Victor Fleming’s 1939 masterpiece The Wizard of Oz on Lynch’s work - taking in the entirety of Lynch’s oeuvre, including Eraserhead, The Elephant Man, Lost Highway and Inland Empire.
The documentary is split into six parts, with each narrated by different critics and filmmakers, including Amy Nicholson (head film critic at LA Weekly), Rodney Ascher (The Nightmare), Karyn Kusama (Jennifer’s Body), Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead (V/H/S: Viral), David Lowery (The Green Knight) and fellow Oz-phile John Waters (Pink Flamingos).
In all Lynch/Oz is a fascinating watch for aficionados of both David Lynch and indeed The Wizard of Oz
These six distinct sections (subtitled “Wind,” “Membranes,” “Kindred,” “Multitudes,” “Judy” and “Dig”) focus on different aspects of the Lynchian aesthetic and other movies that inspired him. The “Judy” section is a riveting insight into the late actress Judy Garland and how she has inspired many of Lynch’s female characters, including Laura Palmer (Twin Peaks), Nikki Grace (Inland Empire) and Diane Selwyn (Mulholland Drive).
Phillippe’s film certainly whets the appetite for a full binge of the David Lynch back catalogue, which can now be watched with a new perspective, examining each frame for even the most obscure of references.
In all Lynch/Oz is a fascinating watch for aficionados of both David Lynch and indeed The Wizard of Oz. Alexandre O. Phillipe has crafted a documentary which is wholly interesting for the entirety of its 109-minute runtime. One gripe is the overuse of the same footage of some Lynch movies, as it does add a certain repetitiveness which isn’t entirely welcome. However, this is a small gripe on a very well-made documentary.
Did you know? David Lynch has cited Werner Herzog, Federico Fellini, Ingmar Bergman and Stanley Kubrick as other influences on his career.
Lynch/Oz is available in cinemas from Friday 2 December
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