Movies

Laura Dern’s letter to David Lynch: You wove L.A. into our dreams

BBG News

1

Pondering how to articulate my emotions towards David Lynch on this special day, I find myself at a loss for words. It seems premature, given the heavy emotions that pervade our city at this moment.

As a fellow film enthusiast, it’s still too early for me to sail through this heartache or encapsulate the life and artistry of my beloved friend. Reflecting on his extraordinary journey, I find myself drawn back to his book “Catching the Big Fish,” where he compared finding ideas to fishing. This analogy resonates with me deeply, especially now that Isabella Rossellini – a shared presence in this world, thanks to David – has reminded me of how David viewed ideas as fragments that arrive and by trusting them, we nurture their growth, much like a seed.

So, today on your birthday, dear David, I’ll pen you a love letter made up of fragments – a meditative remembrance of our shared story, allowing all the delightful, awe-inspiring moments to drift in and reaching out towards them.

In the wake of your departure, we’re left shattered in our cherished city, Los Angeles – a place where we both felt at home. I understand that you were troubled by the heartache and sorrow affecting everyone, yet even amidst the turmoil, just as in your films, you maintained faith in the brightness and kindness within people, and kept hope alive for our city and its residents. It’s not surprising that at this moment of loss, we feel both gratitude and despair – a profound appreciation for your genius which provided us with enduring imagery, shaped our dreams, and intertwined Los Angeles into them forever.

In artistic terms, I discovered my kindred spirit in you. Interestingly enough, it was you who were discovered that day. Back in 1985, at just 17 years old, I stepped into a casting office to meet you for “Blue Velvet.” You stood out as the most extraordinary and radiant individual I had ever encountered. Instantly, you felt like kin to me. Our conversation ranged from diverse topics such as “The Wizard of Oz,” Bob’s Big Boy, turkey sandwiches on white bread, transcendental meditation (which you introduced me to, a practice you’ve shared with countless others worldwide), and, naturally, our mutual affection for Los Angeles.

Growing up, I resided just a couple of blocks away from your location, in close proximity to Tail o’ the Pup. We frequently reminisced about enchanting spots that bore profound significance for us: Du-par’s, Beverly Hills Amusement Park, Doheny Mansion (former home of the American Film Institute), where you produced “Eraserhead”. Our conversations often revolved around Chasen’s, where we both saw Jimmy Stewart; Marie Callender’s; Hollywood Bowl; driving on Mulholland Drive and cruising Ventura Boulevard; old Hollywood studio lots and Musso & Frank and the Beverly Hills Hotel coffee shop; Norm’s; Hollywood Boulevard and the Hollywood Hills; fishing at the end of the Santa Monica Pier. Upon your decision to cast me, I promptly swapped my college years for journeying with you to the farthest reaches of the world. Since then, I’ve never regretted that choice as it marked the commencement of my soul’s learning experience.

Growing up with actors as my parents, I observed their creative partnerships, which sparked within me a passion for acting as a potential career. When we met, it felt like finding my own path. Although I didn’t envision it as a teenager, I’ve been fortunate to spend countless years learning and evolving under your tutelage on the artistic journey. You provided me with the chance to delve into every facet of femininity, embody archetypes, and redefine them. You encouraged fearlessness in me, leading me through terrifying and sacred spaces, as well as helping me find humor amidst tragedy. Through your guidance, you instilled in me a belief in our nation’s goodness and a dread of its hidden darkness.

In “Blue Velvet,” you nurtured both me and Kyle MacLachlan, regarding us as crucial collaborators. Your profound approach to involving us as equals significantly impacted us. You respected the art’s ritual and the dignity it deserves. My earliest recollection of this was a gentle breeze sweeping over us on a summer night in Wilmington, N.C., where you played Shostakovich during filming, allowing us to grasp the enigmatic atmosphere you sought. You and Kyle MacLachlan taught me the chicken walk.

In Sandy’s childhood sanctuary, dimly lit by the glow of “Blue Velvet”, we found ourselves huddled in silence. With an air of profound satisfaction after a take, your gaze locked onto me, brimming with affection, and you whispered, “Beautiful, Tidbit.” Intrigued, I queried, “Why do you call me Tidbit?

You mentioned, “Since you’re a small amount – a tiny speck, so am I.” To which I replied in agreement, “Indeed, we are alike in that sense.

Movies

On Thursday, at the age of 78, David Lynch, a renowned filmmaker, was fondly reminisced about by numerous colleagues who worked with him, along with those he motivated and influenced, including Richard Kelly, the director of “Donnie Darko.

You showed me how to find inspiration in music and led me to a breathtaking Texas sunset in the desert. There, amidst the backdrop of a Nicholas Cage-like scene, we found ourselves synchronizing with Powermad’s heavy metal track “Slaughterhouse.” Later, the atmosphere transformed into an outpouring of affection, resonating with Richard Strauss’ symphonic piece “Im Abendrot.

In that downtown L.A. hotel bar during “Twin Peaks: The Return,” I found myself seated next to you. Just moments away from capturing a scene where my character Diane was drawn upstairs to reveal her story in a monologue and face deep-seated terror. It was your dedication to Diane’s narrative that left me in awe, your evident love for her and unwavering commitment to accompany her every step of the way. I had anticipated rushing straight into the hotel room scene, but instead, you chose to linger.

You assured me, ‘I’ll be with you all through this journey.’ ‘We’ll meet at the bar,’ ‘take the elevator together,’ ‘ascend with you up to the 11th floor as you walk down the hallway towards that door.’ You emphasized that the decision is yours alone, to be made when it feels right, and we’ll be there ready for you. Your work, with its respect for characters, enchanting narrative, and unwavering search for truth in the most extraordinary situations, has shown me not just your artistic skills but your deep human empathy.

One time, in a Paris hotel lobby, I found myself deeply engrossed as you scribbled a four-page monologue for my character in “Inland Empire,” over coffee. Later, we darted to Monoprix to find the perfect hue of red lipstick. You’ve been instrumental in guiding me through various shades of lipsticks. In fact, you concocted a unique yellow lip color for “Twin Peaks” because it hadn’t existed before – something that left you quite astonished. You even took 15 minutes to meticulously select the right shade for a character. But your dedication didn’t stop there; if a hallway needed perfection, you’d personally re-paint it with a brush.

Let’s revisit the vibrant red lips of “Inland Empire” and our filming session. Just you and I with a Sony PD150 in hand. This is an unforgettable moment for me. We wrapped up the scene, feeling incredibly joyful and satisfied with ourselves. Feeling proud, I decided to indulge myself with a sweet reward: a macaron left on the bedside table by housekeeping in the room we were shooting in. As I was savoring this delightful treat, you exclaimed, “Tidbit, that’s the prop! We still need to film a close-up from another angle.” Since then, you’ve always reminded me, “You gotta be careful with Tidbit; she has a habit of eating props.

Movies

The filmmaker encouraged us to embrace the unfathomable, creating films like “Blue Velvet” and “Mulholland Drive,” which became emblematic of a distinctly American style of the surreal.

Over the years, you’ve been gradually showing me how to navigate the uncharted waters, like when my character stepped into the empty burlesque club and you instructed me to observe a woman pole-dancing. You handed me a screwdriver, saying, “Action!” I quietly asked, “Just one thing – why do I have a screwdriver?” To which you responded, “Less questions, more action.

You once instructed me, “Hold steady while I apply your makeup,” to which I replied, “Yet David, why use black tempera paint? Not merely on my face, but also in my ears and nostrils?” Your response was, “To give the appearance of extreme grime.

Later, while guiding me to Hollywood and Vine during the wee hours, you boasted that you’d cleaned the sidewalk stars I was about to recline upon with bleach, and then you instructed, “Now go down there.” Then, you added, “For our next film, promise to shave your head. I prefer a bald look for you.

In a simplified and conversational manner: You were an incredibly kind inventor, always ready to listen and eager with excitement. Every day held equal importance for you. If we misplaced a location, you’d immediately start planning a replacement. If the weather posed a challenge, you’d respond with optimism, saying “Even better.” To you, everything seemed like part of some grand cosmic plan to help create art that was more authentic. Reminded me recently by my mother (Diane Ladd, who I had the privilege of acting alongside), she said, “David wasn’t just kind; he never appeared angry or used curse words. Instead, he made us act that way in his movies all the time.

It’s been a joy to witness your remarkable children blossom over time, as well as see yours grow up under your loving care. I recall an incident when my son Ellery was just 4 years old and found a penny on the street, asking me why David Lynch was depicted on it. After explaining that it was actually Abraham Lincoln, he affectionately referred to you as “Abraham Lincoln” for quite some time during his childhood.

Via you, I’ve discovered the essence of unconditional love – simply a heartfelt embrace. You have indelibly redefined art in all its forms – movies, music, paintings, cartoons, even weather reports – turning each into a haven for imagination. Your joy and creative ecstasy were equally present in every piece you created, guided by your profound intuition and artistic awareness. Art was your daily necessity, a compulsion. Meditation was your daily service, a sacred practice. You lived with an attitude of gratitude and grace, never tasting the sourness of bitterness. In life, you always felt blessed.

I recall exiting the stage hand-in-hand with you during the Governors Awards, after you had been awarded your honorary Oscar. I turned to you and exclaimed, “Congratulations, you’ve won an Academy Award!” To which you replied, “These accolades aren’t mine alone; I’m merely fortunate to grasp them.

It’s truly amazing how you keep unveiling this incredible journey for me. I’m delighted that upon departing, you were already mapping out your next grand expedition. For the remainder of my life, I’ll cherish and hold you dear.

Dern, who has won an Oscar, is famously known for his roles in David Lynch’s films “Blue Velvet”, “Wild at Heart” and “Inland Empire.

Read More

2025-01-22 14:33

Previous post Ryan Gosling’s cult sci-fi sequel gets new UK streaming home
Next post Kanye West’s Daughter North, 11, Joins Him in the Recording Studio