David Lynch Can’t Direct Movies Anymore And Fans Are Crushed
One of the most interesting and stylish directors alive, David Lynch, may not be making movies anytime soon due to medical issues. The director, with a reputation for his surreal movies and TV shows, has revealed that the combination of his recent diagnosis with emphysema and the ongoing risk of COVID have made it impossible for him to direct physically. In a recent interview, he discussed his illness and the possibility of remote direction but expressed uncertainty about the prospect.
A Lifetime Of Smoking
A lifelong smoker, David Lynch blames the habit for his developing emphysema. The illness has harmed his ability to work directly, with the director noting that he can only walk short distances before he’s out of breath. However, the larger issue is that due to his emphysema, COVID and other common viruses like a cold could be deadly, forcing him to avoid large groups of people.
The Ritual Was Part Of Lynch’s Process
While smoking has certainly been an ongoing addiction for David Lynch, he also saw it as a part of his creative process. Even while he was discussing his medical issues and their cause, he noted that the ceremony involved in smoking allowed him to step back and think about his art. Unfortunately, while it may have helped his creative process, he now laments the toll it took on his health.
In the interview in which he revealed his diagnosis, David Lynch briefly discussed the possibility of directing remotely. He seemed displeased by the option, directly stating, “I wouldn’t like that so much.” Despite his misgivings, he did express that he would try it if necessary, giving fans some hope of more movies from the beloved creator.
The Last Work Of David Lynch
This health update is disappointing news for fans, particularly as it’s already been seven long years since David Lynch has directed a major project. Twin Peaks: The Return, the mini-series revival of his most popular work, was the last full-length release for the director who has primarily worked on short films, music videos, and occasional TV episodes since then. His last feature-length film was Inland Empire in 2006.
The Unmade Script
Another reason fans are frustrated by David Lynch’s inability to work is the existence of his famously unmade 2010 script for Antelope Don’t Run No More. For over a decade, the script has been considered a great, unproduced script, and many Lynch fans have been hopeful he would someday be able to direct it. That seems less unlikely to happen anytime soon, given his health update.
A Legend Of Cinema
David Lynch’s inability to direct also retroactively makes Netflix’s decision not to produce his series Wisteria/The Unrecorded Night sting all the more for fans. The mini-series, set to consist of 13-hour-long episodes, would have starred Laura Dern and Naomi Watts, both of whom have long histories with the director. Unfortunately, Netflix axed the project in 2019, just before shooting was set to begin.
Fans are heartbroken to see such a great creative mind unable to do what he does best: make beautifully surreal art. Hopefully, the brilliant director will find ways to continue making films despite his medical condition. Of course, even if the illness means the end of David Lynch’s directorial career, he’ll be retiring as a legend of the film world.
Source: Sight and Sound
