David Lynch’s Mulholland Dr. is a cinematic rollercoaster ride that unveils the true darkness and complexities of Hollywood, and its sometimes traumatic influence on even the brightest and cleanest young women that pursue stardom under its bright city lights. Firstly, it reveals to the audience the terrible truth that lies in the need to know people in high positions to get a head in show biz. Also, it unveils the traumatic influence the pursuit of a dream, can have on a young women. Finally, the amnesia that over takes an actress is symbolic of the veil that is pulled over an individual entering Hollywood and the transitions they undergo as they follow their dream. Mulholland Dr. allows audiences everywhere an insight into the void of Hollywood and its influence on many.
One aspect of the chaotic plot line contained within Mulholland Dr. is a young director’s determination to control the actors that are placed within his movie. This becomes a challenge when he is told that he must put an actress by the name of Camilla Rhodes in his film. Despite his interest in several other actresses that he would like to consider for the part, he is forced to use Camilla if he wishes to continue to make the film. The mob’s influence on the studio creating the project shows the audience the complexity involved in knowing the right people to advance in the business. When considering a job in Hollywood, how far you get is based on who you know, and where they can get you.
A young actress by the name of Dianne Selwyn undergoes a change of psyche when she becomes enveloped in the life of a struggling Hollywood actress. The darkness of Hollywood causes her to become schizophrenic, and create a bizarre reality where she is the star of a real life adventure, and her dream of being an actress is an easy accomplishment. She also becomes unbelievably manipulative, and relies on a love connection with Camilla Rhodes to get into a few small roles in Camilla’s movies. She then turns on Camilla when Camilla falls for the director and tells her that their romance has to stop. When the thought of losing her only break approaches her, she turns murderous and before she can hire someone to take out Camilla she is destroyed by her own mental issues.
When “Rita” is the victim of a car accident she is overcome by an overwhelming amnesia that catapults her on a journey to discover her identity and role in a bizarre grouping of a bag of cash, a strange blue key, and a mysterious club. Her amnesia and journey are symbolic of the veil that a glamorous life can pull over an individual’s eyes. Hollywood gives any who try the slim chance of becoming a star. This taste of stardom changes all and puts them on a path towards changing themselves to become mirror images of society’s perfect people. Rita’s very amnesia is a symbol of the way individuals can forget who they truly are in the pursuit of stardom, while they whittle themselves into society’s perfect image of beach bodies and spray tans.
David Lynch’s Mulholland Dr., is a cinematic masterpiece that allows all audiences to see the complexities and struggles within the life of an aspiring actor. The only way to advance in show business is to know the right people who can get you the right roles. Also, the amnesia that overcomes Rita is a perfect symbol of the veil pursuing a career in acting can pull over anyone’s eyes. Finally, the change that transforms Dianne from a clean cut girl into a dangerous falling star is a clear example of the affect the Hollywood life can have on people. Mulholland Dr. could easily be seen as Lynch’s warning to anyone entering the business, beware of the roles you put on to get ahead, because it just may cost you your identity.
Mulholland Dr. Dir. David Lynch. Perf. Naomi Watts, Laura Harring, and Justin Theroux.
Asymmetrical Productions and The Picture Factory, 2001. DVD.
One aspect of the chaotic plot line contained within Mulholland Dr. is a young director’s determination to control the actors that are placed within his movie. This becomes a challenge when he is told that he must put an actress by the name of Camilla Rhodes in his film. Despite his interest in several other actresses that he would like to consider for the part, he is forced to use Camilla if he wishes to continue to make the film. The mob’s influence on the studio creating the project shows the audience the complexity involved in knowing the right people to advance in the business. When considering a job in Hollywood, how far you get is based on who you know, and where they can get you.
A young actress by the name of Dianne Selwyn undergoes a change of psyche when she becomes enveloped in the life of a struggling Hollywood actress. The darkness of Hollywood causes her to become schizophrenic, and create a bizarre reality where she is the star of a real life adventure, and her dream of being an actress is an easy accomplishment. She also becomes unbelievably manipulative, and relies on a love connection with Camilla Rhodes to get into a few small roles in Camilla’s movies. She then turns on Camilla when Camilla falls for the director and tells her that their romance has to stop. When the thought of losing her only break approaches her, she turns murderous and before she can hire someone to take out Camilla she is destroyed by her own mental issues.
When “Rita” is the victim of a car accident she is overcome by an overwhelming amnesia that catapults her on a journey to discover her identity and role in a bizarre grouping of a bag of cash, a strange blue key, and a mysterious club. Her amnesia and journey are symbolic of the veil that a glamorous life can pull over an individual’s eyes. Hollywood gives any who try the slim chance of becoming a star. This taste of stardom changes all and puts them on a path towards changing themselves to become mirror images of society’s perfect people. Rita’s very amnesia is a symbol of the way individuals can forget who they truly are in the pursuit of stardom, while they whittle themselves into society’s perfect image of beach bodies and spray tans.
David Lynch’s Mulholland Dr., is a cinematic masterpiece that allows all audiences to see the complexities and struggles within the life of an aspiring actor. The only way to advance in show business is to know the right people who can get you the right roles. Also, the amnesia that overcomes Rita is a perfect symbol of the veil pursuing a career in acting can pull over anyone’s eyes. Finally, the change that transforms Dianne from a clean cut girl into a dangerous falling star is a clear example of the affect the Hollywood life can have on people. Mulholland Dr. could easily be seen as Lynch’s warning to anyone entering the business, beware of the roles you put on to get ahead, because it just may cost you your identity.
Mulholland Dr. Dir. David Lynch. Perf. Naomi Watts, Laura Harring, and Justin Theroux.
Asymmetrical Productions and The Picture Factory, 2001. DVD.
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