CS Weekly Archive > DVD of the Day > 01/20/06

The Elements of Eccentricity

by scott castle

David Lynch

Across six short subjects, writer-director David Lynch establishes the aesthetics and storytelling conventions that will recur throughout his ouvre of full-length features. Love of the grotesque in the prosaically titled "Six Men Getting Sick" is built upon by the nightmarish dream sequence of "The Alphabet" and the surreal story of a boy (Richard White) growing a grandmother (Dorothy McGinnes) from a seed in "The Grandmother," all three paving the way for Eraserhead. Later shorts like "The Cowboy and the Frenchman" illustrate the redundant and absurd dialogue that will become a hallmark in later films while establishing the absurd sense of humor that would find its greatest expression in Twin Peaks. Lynch introduces each film, explaining its origin, and thus fills the gaps in his evolution as a filmmaker.

The Short Films of David Lynch
DavidLynch.com & TLA Releasing
Not rated; Approx. 75 min.
$29.95

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Scott Castle is one thesis shy of a master's degree in film. He's written two short films, four television scripts, and a handful of short stories. He lives in Los Angeles.

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