Processes behind David Lynch’s beloved, self-described “mystery” film.

First up: B-Roll of the Mulholland Dr. film shoot (via FilmIsNow):

In stark contrast to Betty / Diane Selwyn’s Hollywood-dream-turned-nightmare journey in the Mulholland Dr., listening to star Naomi Watts and writer/director David Lynch recount their process, two decades later, is indeed a dream female actor / male director dynamic – and no less artistically experimental, challenging or brave for being a safe space:

Dispelling the myth that co-requisite behaviour for “auteur” directors is abusive treatment of cast and crew, the female stars of David Lynch’s films routinely attest to feelings of safety, trust, and respect, despite the themes, scenes and stories exploring dark, even harrowing ideas. Here are some charming and, frankly, inspiring tales from Naomi Watts, Laura Dern and Patricia Arquette (via W magazine):

Further Viewing

Even as I say that I’m almost as loathe to post “… Explained” videos as “… Ending Explained” videos, I found Twin Perfect‘s drill-down on the symbolism within this film specifically, and in Lynch’s verbal language more generally, pretty compelling:

More on how David Lynch, as well as Pedro Almodóvar and Denis Villeneuve, are living proof that male directors can be commercially and critically acclaimed while completely trashing the “difficult genius” myth:

Film School: Good Male Directors