David Lynch: My perfect drug, Lost Highway comes to Blu-ray in June

David Lynch’s masterpiece of twisted reality, Lost Highway comes to Blu-ray on June 25. It will definitely put a spell on you.

David Lynch is always pushing boundaries. Maybe that is why I enjoy his work so much because he doesn’t spoon feed his audience. You really have to think about what he is presenting to you.

My favorite film of his isn’t one of the usual suspects. Although I love Blue Velvet, The Elephant Man and Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me, I have always gravitated toward Lost Highway. The story is not linear but then again, it is one of those things that you just have to go with, like riding a perfect wave.

For those of you that haven’t seen it but are into Lynch, his favorite theme of dualities is ever present in this effort. Also, nothing is what it seems. Much like Agent Cooper meeting up with Laura Palmer again (or did he?) at the end of Twin Peaks: The Return, there are two timelines in Lost Highway.

Sex, Jealousy & Ominous Tidings

I have to say when I found out Bill Pullman was starring in this film; I was a bit shocked. Mr. Nice Guy is playing a dark and tortured jazz musician? Well, he definitely nails the part of Fred Madison, I was duly impressed.

David Lynch – Lost Highway – Courtesy of Kino Lorber Studio Classics

Fred is married to the sexy and kittenish, Renee, portrayed by the sublime Patricia Arquette in a dark auburn Betty Page wig. It is clear they have a troubled marriage. He is filled with self-doubt and inwardly seethes when she talks to other men.

Let’s face it, Renee is sex incarnate. She exudes it and well, it is easy to see why Fred might think she is cheating on him. This is where things get a little crazy. Random VHS tapes start appearing on the couple’s doorstep.

The first tape is a series of exterior shots of Fred and Renee’s house. However, the second one is decidedly creepier because it appears to have been taken inside the couple’s living room. Spooked, Fred calls the police.

After they take a look around, there are no signs of forced entry but they tell the Madisons not to worry, they will keep an eye on their place. That evening, Fred and Renee attend a swanky soiree at the home of one of Renee’s old friends. While Fred stands around watching his wife drunkenly flirt with numerous men, he is approached by the downright scary and ominous, “Mystery Man” played by the real-life terrifying actor, Robert Blake.

David Lynch – Robert Blake – Mystery Man – Courtesy of CiBy 2000, Asymmetrical Productions, Lost Highway Productions LLC

In full Kabuki make-up, a weird bit of business involving a cell phone occurs and possibly a step into another timeline but you will just have to see it. From this point on, things go downhill at a fast pace for Fred.

A third VHS tape arrives and this one is horrific. It contains gory and graphic images of a dead Renee. Of course, Fred is convicted of her murder but a curious thing happens. One night while he is in his cell, he experiences a brain shattering migraine and the very next day, when the guards go to wake him up, they are shocked to find another man in his cell.

This one is considerably younger and his name is Pete Dayton (Balthazar Getty). WTF just happened? And this is where the alternate reality plot kicks in or does it?

David Lynch: My perfect drug, Lost Highway comes to Blu-ray in June

By Susan Leighton | Apr 7, 2019

David Lynch’s masterpiece of twisted reality, Lost Highway comes to Blu-ray on June 25. It will definitely put a spell on you.

Sex, Jealousy & Ominous Tidings

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