David Lynch's Eraserhead | The Strange Story (Part I) #149

April 6

1h 50m

Episode Description

Dhruv and Cris are entering the endlessly mysterious world(s) of David Lynch for the first time (of many!) this year. And joining them, in his very first (QID) outing, is Devarsi Ghosh (@devarsighosh), a film journalist doubling as their Lynch guide for this trip to Lynch's nightmarish evocation of Philadelphia in his feature-length debut film, "Eraserhead" (1977).

Before reaching there, however, they all describe their introductions to Lynch Land, what it feels like being there, and why nobody can even come close to creating a similar feeling of that today. (They do question if they themselves are “grumpy cynics," but that's only to conclude that that's the only appropriate response to have given the drek they're served up today).

Listen to the full episode to hear them then talk about their experience of "Eraserhead" - intended very much NOT as an “ending explained” breakdown of it; the objective - throughout all our episodes on Lynch's films - will be to preserve the mystery of his works, not undermine it!

Regardless, major spoilers for “Eraserhead”!

TIME CODES

Introductions to David Lynch: [00:00 - 31:51]

The "Dune" Caveat: [31:51 - 34:05]

Impossibility of "Intuitive" Filmmaking Today: [34:05 - 56:06]

"Eraserhead" (1977): [56:06 - 01:46:18]

Outro: [01:46:18 - 01:50:47]

TEXT REFERENCED REPEATEDLY

"Room to Dream" (David Lynch & Kristine McKenna).

AUDIO/VIDEO EXCERPTS REFERENCED EXTENSIVELY

1. David Lynch at BAFTA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5BfoOrmCX0&ab_channel=BAFTA.

2. Eraserhead - Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0Eq5GtCYdA&ab_channel=CRITERION.