Movies

How Bob’s Big Boy Fueled David Lynch’s Iconic Films and Creative Genius

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Hollywood icon David Lynch’s death at 78 shocked the world of entertainment last week.

The filmmaker revolutionized the boundaries of both cinema and television with his unique, dreamlike masterpieces like Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive, and Twin Peaks. Notably, he always remembered that a seemingly ordinary fast-food chain, Bob’s Big Boy, played an essential part in fueling his creative journey.

In the ’70s, when his 1977 debut film “Eraserhead” was about to be released, Lynch regularly visited the Burbank, California branch of the restaurant.

At exactly 2:30 PM, his strict daily ritual involved sipping coffee and enjoying an iconic frozen chocolate milkshake. This combination of sugar and caffeine gave him a boost, inspiring him to write with renewed energy.

Much of his intricate and peculiar storylines often began as casual jottings on the back of ordinary napkins at an everyday American diner.

As a lifestyle expert, I wholeheartedly endorse the practice of transcendental meditation, much like author David Lynch does in his 2007 book “Catching The Big Fish.” For me, it provides a secure mental space that enables my creative ideas to flourish, particularly when crafting the intricate storylines for my neo-noir narratives. In other words, transcendental meditation offers me a safe haven for my thoughts to soar and take shape.

He frequently visited Bob’s Big Boy restaurant, starting in the mid-seventies and continuing up until the early eighties. Each time he went, he’d enjoy a milkshake while pondering thoughts of his own.

‘Reflecting in a diner offers a sense of security. You can enjoy your coffee or milkshake while wandering into unfamiliar, mysterious territories, knowing that the familiar comfort of the diner will always be there to welcome you back.’

It was only a matter of time before some of Bob’s genuine clients ended up influencing the rough-edged characters portrayed by Lynch in his films.

As a devoted admirer, I can share an interesting tidbit about the making of the iconic film “Blue Velvet” (1986). The character of the menacing drug dealer, Frank Booth, portrayed brilliantly by Dennis Hopper, was actually inspired by a real-life customer encounter. This intriguing revelation comes straight from the director himself, David Lynch.

In Bob’s one day, I noticed a man enter and approach the counter. That’s about all I recall of him. However, just seeing him triggered a sensation, which is where the character Frank Booth originated.

The unusual location played host to Bob’s initial meeting, which later became a ‘chemistry lunch’, connecting future Blue Velvet co-stars Kyle MacLachlan and Laura Dern.

As a dedicated follower, I’d rephrase it as: In 2019, Sam Neill, the star of Jurassic Park, reached out to me, suggesting we grab a bite at Bob’s Big Boy to gauge our compatibility, much like a chemistry test over lunch.

Afterward, the trio enjoyed their meal at Bob’s Big Boy, and that marked the beginning of an interesting tale. They opted for malts and French fries, and David entertained himself by drawing on napkins, while Kyle carved designs into his ketchup with a knife.

In other words, it’s as if a woman thinks, “These men are quite peculiar and could be my twin souls, or I’m deeply in love with both of them and wish to spend the remainder of my life with them, so that’s how I feel.

Back in 2015, Lynch disclosed in a YouTube video from Bob’s Big Boy that he frequented their Burbank location for approximately seven years, visiting daily at 2:30 PM post-lunch, to savor a chocolate milkshake alongside a cup of coffee.

As a die-hard devotee, I abandoned my regular visits to that spot. Instead, I rummaged through a trash bin and unearthed one of their milkshake containers. To my dismay, every single ingredient in the mix ended with “zine” or “eight”, and it felt like there was absolutely no trace of nature lurking anywhere within that garden.

In this restaurant, you’ll find a picture of Lynch framed among those of MacLachlan and Dern, showcasing his significant impact.

Fans of Lynch and Bob’s Saw movies raised their coffees and chocolate milkshakes in tribute to the star upon his passing, showing their deep connection with him.

Over time, the large, 5-feet tall Big Boy statue transformed into a memorial for Lynch, as admirers would often place red roses, candles, cigars, coffee mugs, and even Coca-Cola bottles on it as tokens of respect.

Fans donned outfits reminiscent of his creations like Eraserhead and Twin Peaks, while colleagues from the studio joined in a toast to Lynch, all taking place at Bob’s.

While Lynch indulged at Bob’s, the rest of his diet was notably healthier and stricter. 

2001 saw an interview with LA Weekly where Lynch stated: “I drink several cups of coffee throughout the day, and for breakfast I have cappuccino. My lunch is usually a salad that’s processed in a Cuisinart, so every bite tastes identical.

He mentioned that his lunch consisted entirely of plant-based ingredients such as nuts, eggs, lettuce, assorted greens, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top, forming a bowlful of Cuisinart salad.

‘And then at night I have a block of Parmesan cheese, maybe a 2-inch cube, and red wine.’

Lynch died after a long battle with emphysema. 

Following his Oscar nods for directing The Elephant Man and Blue Velvet, the multi-talented filmmaker made waves in television by revolutionizing its landscape with his groundbreaking show Twin Peaks – a gripping mystery series that follows an FBI agent as he journeys to a secluded town to unravel the murder of its popular high school queen.

The mystical mystery series won two Emmys during its three seasons.

Following the release of his 2006 film “Inland Empire,” a chilling tale about an actress who gradually takes on the role of her on-screen character with terrifying consequences, this highly productive filmmaker shifted his attention towards creating short films and videos that were both written, produced, and directed by David Lynch.

2017 marked the year when he finally managed to sell a significant production to a network, which was Studio. The entire 18-episode sequel, featuring Dern and Twin Peaks regular MacLachlan, was broadcasted on Showtime.

Lynch is mourned by his spouse Emily Stofle, as well as their three offspring: Jennifer Lynch, Austin Jack Lynch, and Riley Lynch.

During an interview with Sight & Sound in August, Lynch mentioned that his health condition was a result of years of smoking.

Lynch mentioned that he’s essentially confined to his home due to circumstances beyond his control. He can’t venture outside and has limited walking ability because he runs out of breath quickly.

In a candid moment, the director of Blue Velvet and Twin Peaks admitted that his fondness for smoking led him to where he is today.

Lynch said: ‘Smoking was something that I absolutely loved, but in the end, it bit me.

For me, immersing myself in the artistic lifestyle was akin to second nature: savoring the taste and aroma of tobacco, igniting and inhaling, retreating, contemplating my work or my thoughts, all while enveloped in a cloud of smoke.

‘Nothing like it in this world is so beautiful. Meanwhile, it’s killing me. So I had to quit.’

In November, he shared with People that he needed additional oxygen for most of his daily activities and found it difficult to even cross a room.

He mentioned that dealing with emphysema is similar to constantly wearing a bag over one’s head, as if it were made of plastic.

Although he has no regrets, Lynch wishes that his alarming health news might motivate other smokers to stop smoking.

He additionally shared with the source: “Consider this carefully. You could give up habits that will ultimately lead to your demise.

Lynch acknowledged that his long-term behavior came with a substantial cost, yet he expressed no remorse about it.

By the time he gave up cigarettes the father-of-four could ‘hardly move without gasping for air.’

‘Quitting was my only choice,’ he said.

In 2017, I couldn’t contain my excitement when David Lynch brought back Twin Peaks on Showtime, a project that held top priority for me as an ardent fan, even before health concerns took precedence.

The initial run of this show spanned from 1990 to 1991 and centered around the examination of the murder mystery involving Laura Palmer, the homecoming queen (portrayed by Sheryl Lee). This investigation unfolded in the fabricated town of Twin Peaks, Washington.

In the early ’90s, when it initially aired on ABC, the show gained a devoted fanbase, leading to a 1992 prequel movie titled “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk” being produced.

Over two decades Lynch’s signature franchise made a comeback with Twin Peaks: The Return.

In the revival, MacLachlan, Sherilyn Fenn, Mädchen Amick, Lee, and David Duchovny, all of whom were part of the original cast, made their return.

Furthermore, a variety of other talented individuals were incorporated, such as Dern, Amanda Seyfried, Jessica Szohr, Michael Cera, Richard Chamberlain, and Trent Reznor.

Amongst his notable works, Lynch also created movies such as Eraserhead (1977), The Elephant Man (1980), Blue Velvet (1986), Mulholland Drive (2001), and Inland Empire (2006).

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2025-01-25 21:23

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