I finally get this movie… and I’m really impressed with it now. It seems my experience mirrors what many others have had: when I first saw this film years ago, nothing made sense. That pattern continued each time I watched it; I just couldn't grasp it. But that changed today after seeing it with a friend who appreciates cinema and pointed out to me that _“you have to keep two things in mind: the first is the non-linear narrative, sometimes with very subtle changes; the second is that most of the film is not real life, it is a dream of the protagonist”_. If there are films approaching perfection, this one comes close, even though it’s challenging to understand and requires multiple viewings. I already knew David Lynch's movies weren’t straightforward—I was first introduced to his work years ago with _Blue Velvet_, which showed me he creates enigmatic films filled with implicit ideas and dreamlike suggestions that often go unnoticed. I appreciate that kind of cinema; it’s intellectually stimulating and emotionally affecting. It doesn't mean I understand everything, though! And today, discussing the film with my friend, I finally understood it much better. Originally conceived in 1999 as a pilot episode for a television series, it was reworked into a feature film after TV executives rejected it. The way Lynch transformed that initial setback into one of his biggest successes is quite remarkable and showcases his unique style and determination. The movie is genuinely excellent, and I think sharing what I learned today will help others who want to see it and understand it better. It subtly indicates when the main character falls asleep and awakens. And without giving too much away, I’d say that the party at the film director's house, near the end, holds the key to understanding more than half of the plot, which essentially centers on a young woman pursuing wealth and fame in Los Angeles, only to fail, alongside experiencing heartbreak and losing her sense of morality and innocence. The cast rises to meet the challenges presented by the director’s vision, and Naomi Watts is particularly striking. This film marked a significant moment in her career; she had previously done minor roles in Europe and America before this project. She delivers an outstanding performance, earning our empathy and making us connect with her character. I think there's a degree to which the actress saw aspects of herself reflected in the role—she also pursued a demanding career and faced difficulties along the way. Laura Harring is also very good and deserves recognition for her work. Justin Theroux, as director Adam Kesher, provides a solid contribution, though the film is clearly carried by the actresses. Technically, this film excels on every level. Beyond the brilliant direction, Lynch makes extensive use of cinematography. It’s worth noting his choices of locations, cityscapes, and techniques like zoom, close-ups, or blurring to communicate something about the characters' mental states. He also uses color effectively; vibrant and beautiful hues, with red and blue having particular significance for understanding the film. The movie contains explicit nude and sex scenes, and a deliberate slow pace. The settings are also important: sometimes, the arrangement of props and the actors’ interactions with them offer subtle clues about what's happening, but you need to be observant. Finally, I want to give special recognition to the hypnotic and unforgettable soundtrack by Angelo Badalamenti, which is worth listening to from the main theme to the cheerful 1950s-style songs.

Source on TMDB