While the film is mainly an advertisement of sorts for Valentino’s haute couture line led by its current leader Pier Paolo Piccioli, the film does feature a narrative about a woman dealing with her ailing mother as she travels to Rome to be with her as they also think about the past. It is a film that doesn’t have much of a plot yet it does play into women thinking about their work but also a woman dealing with blindness as she is convinced her days as an artist is over. Yet, there are all of these mysterious things that occurs in the film along with flashbacks of the young woman with her daughter and other friends while they’re tended to a man throughout the film.
Luca Guadagnino’s direction is stylish as it is shot on locations in New York City and Rome as it play into these two worlds that its main characters live in. While there are some unique wide and medium shots, Guadagnino does play into this air of intrigue but also isolation that looms throughout the film while the flashbacks are lively in the scenes set in Rome. There is a sense of simplicity for the scenes in New York as well as the moments between mother and daughter in the present scenes in Rome while there are moments that are surreal. Notably as there’s a woman walking around in Valentino designer clothing as the clothes do play a key role in the story leading to its climax. Overall, Guadagnino crafts a rapturous and compelling film about a writer and her ailing artist mother thinking about their art and the next stage of their lives.
Cinematographer Sayombhu Mukdeeprom does brilliant work with the film’s cinematography with its emphasis on low-key natural lighting for many of the daytime interior scenes as well as the usage of little lighting for some of the exterior scenes in the evening scenes. Editor Walter Fasano does excellent work with the editing as it is largely straightforward with a few montage cuts in some bits of the film. Production designers Roberta Federico and Olivia Peebles do amazing work with the look of the homes of the woman in New York as well as a place she goes to for a party as well as the home of her mother in Rome. Visual effects supervisor Luca Saviotti does terrific work with some of the film’s minimal visual effects that play into some of the mystical elements of the film. Sound mixer Valentino Gianni does superb work with the sound as it is largely straightforward to play into the way everything sounds in a room. The film’s music by Ryuichi Sakamoto is wonderful for its low-key, piano-based orchestral score that help play into the drama as well as the sense of longing throughout the film while the soundtrack include a couple of pieces by Bruno Lauzi.
The casting by Francine Maisler is marvelous as it feature appearances from Sergio Di Nitto as an old boyfriend from the past, Arianna Pesce and Camilla Martellino in their respective versions as the young and teenage version of the protagonist Francesca, Edoardo Gabbriellini as a party host in Patrizio, Alba Rohrwacher as a friend of Francesca in Vera, and Mia Goth as a younger version of Francesca’s mother Sofia. KiKi Layne is excellent in her small role as a mysterious woman Francesca sees as is she a ghost or her neighbor in New York who is dealing with issues of her own. Kyle MacLachlan is brilliant in a trio of roles as a party guest, an old lover of Sofia, and Sofia’s caretaker where MacLachlan brings a lot of different personalities and sensitivity to those roles. Marthe Keller is amazing as the old Sofia as an artist who is going blind as she deals with aging but also isolation and the past as she looks back with sadness. Finally, there’s Julianne Moore in an incredible performance as Francesca as a writer who deals with her own struggles and loneliness where she goes to Rome to help her mother as well as aspects of her own past.
The Staggering Girl is a remarkable film from Luca Guadagnino. Featuring a great cast, amazing costumes, dazzling visuals, and a somber music score by Ryuichi Sakamoto. The short is a fascinating way in how to sell fashion design as well as tell a story about two women dealing with loneliness and creative drought. In the end, The Staggering Girl is a marvelous film from Luca Guadagnino.
Luca Guadagnino Films: (The Protagonists) - (Tilda Swinton: The Love Factory) - (Mundo civilzado) - (Cuoco contadino) - (Melissa P.) - (The Love Factory No. 3 Pippo Delbono - Bisogna morire) – I Am Love - (Bertolucci on Bertolucci) – A Bigger Splash - Call Me By Your Name - Suspiria (2018 film) - (Fiori, Fiori, Fiori) – (Salvatore: Shoemaker of Dreams) – (We Are Who We Are (2020 TV series)) – Bones & All – Challengers (2024 film) - (Queer) - (After the Hunt)
© thevoid99 2022
Directed by Caleb Deschanel and written by Scott Frost, the eighth episode of the second season of Twin Peaks entitled Drive with a Dead Girl revels in the aftermath of not just Benjamin Horne’s arrest but also in the revelation into who really killed Laura Palmer. With Jerry Horne arriving to represent his brother where it is clear that the two are in trouble over their connection with One Eyed Jack’s, it is clear that Horne is in big trouble while Leland Palmer is in total disbelief over the fact that Horne is a suspect as he starts to act very odd during a following meeting with Special Agent Cooper and Sheriff Truman on the way to the country club.
It’s an episode where there are many revelations about the identity of Laura Palmer’s killers but also into the things about Benjamin Horne as he is major suspect but isn’t the man that killed her. When Pete Martell arrived at the station to talk about Truman about Josie’s recent departure, he would also meet Horne with a message that proved to be just as shocking. What happens would be a bad day for Horne as he is then examined by the possessed Philip Gerard who believes that killer is close. While Truman thinks Horne did it, Cooper doesn’t think so as he thinks there is more that is happening.
It’s an episode where the audiences know who is the killer but also into the strange events that is happening in the town following the return of one of its residents. Still, there are a few subplots that occur as it relates to a few residents such as Norma Jennings who receives a visit from her mother (Jane Greer) who reveals she is married as she introduces her husband (James Booth) to Norma as Hank knows the man from prison which Norma doesn’t know. Another subplot involves Lucy as she returns home with her sister Gwen (Kathleen Wilhoite) as it causes more baffling questions about who could’ve impregnated Lucy along with a quick-rich scheme from Bobby Briggs who discovers the content from Leo's tape recorder. It’s among some of the humorous moments of the episode yet it is largely about the mystery involving the killer.
Especially in the final minutes where a body is found as it becomes clear the killer is loose where Cooper just as he was talking to Audrey Horne who asks him about her father. It’s an episode that is more simplistic and less plot-driven where Caleb Deschanel maintains certain visuals that is hallmarks of the series as well as a quirky flashback sequence with offbeat edits as it relate to Ben and Jerry Horne’s childhood past.
Drive with a Dead Girl is a spectacular episode of Twin Peaks from Caleb Deschanel. Not only does it create a lot of intrigue into the mystery of Laura Palmer’s death but also play into the person who killed her and those who are suspected into her death. Even as it becomes clear that just as everyone thinks they’re closer to solving the mystery, there’s more bumps ahead. In the end, Drive with a Dead Girl is an exhilarating episode of Twin Peaks from Caleb Deschanel.
Twin Peaks: Season 1: Pilot - Episode 1 - Episode 2 - Episode 3 - Episode 4 - Episode 5 - Episode 6 - Episode 7
Season 2: Episode 8 - Episode 9 - Episode 10 - Episode 11 - Episode 12 - Episode 13 - Episode 14 - (Episode 16) - (Episode 17) - (Episode 18) - (Episode 19) - (Episode 20) - (Episode 21) - (Episode 22) - (Episode 23) - (Episode 24) - (Episode 25) - (Episode 26) - (Episode 27) - (Episode 28) - (Episode 29)
Fire Walk with Me - (The Missing Pieces)
Season 3: (Coming Soon)
© thevoid99 2015
Directed and sound designed by David Lynch and screenplay by Lynch and Robert Engels that is based on the TV series by Lynch and Mark Frost, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me revolves around the final days of Laura Palmer before her murder as well as the events before and after the events of the TV series. The film is a prequel/sequel of sorts to the series as it relates to the mysterious murders of a young woman and another young woman who would be connected to the murder as aspects of her life are unveiled. Starring Kyle MacLachlan, Sheryl Lee, Moira Kelly, Chris Isaak, Harry Dean Stanton, Ray Wise, and Keifer Sutherland. Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me is a gripping yet mesmerizing film from David Lynch.
The film explores not just the final days of the life of Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee) who was a major subject in the TV series but also in the events that preceded her murder as it relates to the death of a young woman named Teresa Banks (Pamela Gidley). It’s a film that isn’t just about a young woman falling apart in her final days but also dealing with the revelations about the mysterious figure that had been stalking her as he would eventually become her killer. The film’s screenplay by David Lynch and Robert Engels does have an odd structure in terms of its narrative. Notably in its first act as it relates to Banks’ murder where Special Agent Chester Desmond (Chris Isaak) investigates with Sam Stanley (Kiefer Sutherland) as they find some things that relate to the murder and then something happens that stops the case that includes the sudden re-appearance and disappearance of the FBI agent Phillip Jeffries (David Bowie).
The film’s second and third act plays into Laura Palmer’s final days as she copes with being in a multitude of relationships with other men, a drug problem, and the mysterious appearance of a man named Bob (Frank Silva) who had been stalking her. Then there’s her father Leland (Ray Wise) whom she believes might actually be Bob as well where there are some revelations about his own past and such. Still, it raises questions about not just his relationship with Laura but also other things about him that definitely becomes puzzling. Even as there’s moments in Laura’s own world where she sees things as it relates to characters whom she had never met nor were part of the series in the beginning start to appear for some strange reasons. Those are among some of the flaws in the script as well as these surreal moments about this mysterious world that is the Black Lodge where Bob supposedly lives in.
Lynch’s direction is quite simple at times for the way he shoots the many locations in the Pacific Northwest while he would add things that are surreal such as Desmond and Stanley given a message from a mute woman in a red dress. It plays into this strange mix of Americana and European surrealism where Lynch does create some simple compositions and such in his close-ups, medium shots, and wide shots yet will find a way to play with these elements. The film’s first act which revolves around the Banks case where Special Agent Desmond is leading the investigation play into a world that is corrupt as Desmond and Stanley were forced to do things by themselves.
By the time the story moves to the second act at the small town of Twin Peaks, it plays into the town and what it was like during Laura Palmer’s final days. Still, there are odd moments as it relates to not just some of the characters from the TV show but also the ones who either were on the show but don’t appear in the film or those who come into the show very late into the series. The direction would feature these point-of-view shots as well as moments that add to the surrealism that includes key moments in the third act that plays into Laura’s final day including her death. Even as it relates to those involved and what could’ve been done to save her. Overall, Lynch creates an eerie yet intoxicating film about a young woman’s final days in a small town.
Cinematographer Ron Garcia does brilliant work with the film‘s cinematography with its usage of lights including blue lights as well as some naturalistic images for some of the scenes set in the day. Editor Mary Sweeney does excellent work with the editing as it play into the drama and suspense while creating some cutting styles and montages that are bizarre which delve into the moments that are unexplained. Production/costume designer Patricia Norris and set decorator Leslie Morales do fantastic work with the set design including the Palmer home, the Roadhouse bar, and the mysterious red room where the Man from Another World is from while the costumes are quite stylish to play to what Laura wore in her bawdy moments as well as the suits of the FBI agents.
Sound editor Douglas Murray and sound designer David Lynch do amazing work with the sound to play into some of the sound effects that occur in the film as well as in the atmosphere in some of the events that go on including the scenes where Bob would be around lurking towards Laura. The film’s music by Angelo Badalamenti is incredible as it’s the highlight of the film with its mixture of orchestral, blues, dream-pop, and ambient music that features variations of themes from the TV show as well as some somber themes that play into the drama and tragedy of the film as the music includes contributions by Julee Cruise who appears as the singer at the Roadhouse bar.
The casting by Johanna Ray is wonderful as it features small appearances from TV cast recurring/regular characters like Catherine Coulson as the Log Lady, Al Strobel as the one-armed man Philip Gerard, Lenny von Dohlen as the agoraphobic Harold Smith who would hide Laura’s diary, Peggy Lipton as the diner owner Norma Jennings, Madchen Amick as the diner waitress Shelly Johnson, Heather Graham as Annie Blackburn, Grace Zabriskie as Laura’s mother Sarah, Miguel Ferrer as Agent Rosenfeld, David Lynch as FBI regional superior Gordon Cole, Gary Hershberger as Mike Nelson, Frances Bay as the mysterious Mrs. Tremond, Walter Olkewicz as the Roadhouse bartender Jacques Renault, Michael J. Anderson as the Man from Another Place, Jonathan J. Leppell as Mrs. Tremond’s grandson, Eric Da Rae as Leo Johnson, and Phoebe Augustine as Ronette Pulaski as the young woman who would walk out of the event traumatized and lost.
Other notable small roles include Kimberly Ann Cole as the mute woman in red, Rick Aiello as deputy Howard who tries to antagonize Special Agent Desmond, Gary Bullock as Sheriff Cable, Jurgen Prochnow as a mysterious woodsman at the Black Lodge, Pamela Gidley as Teresa Banks, and Harry Dean Stanton in a terrific performance as a trailer park landlord who is trying to make sense about what happened. David Bowie is superb in a small role as the FBI agent Phillip Jeffries who had disappeared two years earlier as he suddenly appears talking about the Black Lodge. Kiefer Sutherland is excellent as Agent Sam Stanley as a man who has quirks that allow him to see things where would make a chilling discovery as it relates to Teresa Banks’ body. Frank Silva is fantastic as Bob as the evil killer who may or may not be real as he stalks Laura as he might also be involved in Banks’ death. James Marshall and Dana Ashbrook are brilliant in their respective roles as James Hurley and Bobby Briggs as Laura’s two lovers with Marshall as the sensitive Hurley and Ashbrook as the more troublesome Briggs who both cope with Laura’s offbeat behavior.
Kyle MacLachlan is amazing as Special Agent Dale Cooper who deals with the chaos over the Banks case as he waits for what will happen next as he would later become a key figure in the Palmer case. Moira Kelly is pretty good as Donna Hayward as Laura’s best friend who tries to deal with Laura’s behavior as Kelly brings a more low-key approach to the character that is played by Lara Flynn Boyle in the TV show. Ray Wise is remarkable as Leland Palmer as Laura’s father who hides a dark secret as it relates to a lot in what is happening as it’s an ambiguous but underwritten role that loses some of its intrigue. Finally, there’s Sheryl Lee in an incredible performance as Laura Palmer as this troubled young woman who deals with a severe drug problem as well as juggling relationships and a stalker as Lee brings a lot of weight and anguish to the performance of a young woman who is living on the edge.
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me is an excellent though flawed film from David Lynch. While it does sort of deviate from elements of the TV series while focusing more on the events that related to Laura Palmer’s final days. As a standalone film, it is quite exhilarating and strange that manages to be out there but also riveting. For those who are fan of the TV series, the film serves as a fitting companion piece despite some of its flaws. In the end, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me is a brilliant film from David Lynch.
David Lynch Films: Eraserhead - The Elephant Man - Dune - Blue Velvet - Wild at Heart - Lost Highway - The Straight Story - Mulholland Dr. - INLAND EMPIRE - The Short Films of David Lynch Pt. 1 - The Short Films of David Lynch Pt. 2 - The Music Videos of David Lynch
Twin Peaks: Season 1: Pilot - Episode 1 - Episode 2 - Episode 3 - Episode 4 - Episode 5 - Episode 6 - Episode 7
Season 2: Episode 8 - Episode 9 - Episode 10 - Episode 11 - Episode 12 - Episode 13 - Episode 14 - Episode 15 - (Episode 16) - (Episode 17) - (Episode 18) - (Episode 19) - (Episode 20) - (Episode 21) - (Episode 22) - (Episode 23) - (Episode 24) - (Episode 25) - (Episode 26) - (Episode 27) - (Episode 28) - (Episode 29)
Season 3: (Coming Soon)
(The Missing Pieces)
The Auteurs #50: David Lynch: Pt. 1 - Pt. 2 - Pt. 3 - Pt. 4
© thevoid99 2015
Directed by David Lynch and written by Mark Frost, the fifteenth episode of Twin Peaks entitled Lonely Souls revolves around the break that Special Agent Cooper and Sheriff Truman have been looking for as it relates to who might’ve killed Laura Palmer. While Cooper and Truman take the possessed Philip Gerard to the hotel, it is clear that the suspect is definitely near as Benjamin Horne becomes the major suspect after being asked by Audrey about One-Eyed Jack’s and secrets he had about Laura. Deputy Hawk would go to Harold Smith’s apartment to retrieve Laura’s diary where a discovery is made about Smith and the diary where Cooper looks into its contents where he and Truman conclude that Benjamin Horne might have some involvement in Laura’s death.
It’s an episode where the long-awaited outcome of who might’ve killed Laura Palmer finally emerges but also leaves a lot of questions into what is going on. While Benjamin Horne is a definite suspect for the fact that he had Laura work in his store and got her involved at One-Eyed Jack’s. His confession to Audrey reveal that as bad as a man that he is, he didn’t kill Laura as credit should go to Richard Beymer for unveiling some of Horne’s vulnerability though the scene where’s arrested during a meeting with Tojamura reveal that he is a coward. It’s among some of the intriguing aspects of the episode as it would continue for its multi-layered climax where Cooper, Truman, and the Log Lady go to the Roadhouse where Cooper would have a vision.
Also at the Roadhouse are James Hurley and Donna Hayward as they both deal with some of the drawbacks over what happened at Smith’s home as they learn that Maddy Ferguson is going on home. Bobby Briggs meanwhile, makes a discovery in a boot that Leo Johnson owned in the hopes that it could get him and Shelly out of the financial dire straits they’re in. Especially as Shelly is forced to resign from her work as a waitress for the Double R Diner to take care of Leo full time. While it’s an episode that is quite dramatic and ends some storylines while opening new ones. There are elements of humor where Norma Jennings gets a first-hand look at the new Nadine Hurley who still think she’s in high school and has super-strength as Ed is still baffled. Another funny moments play into Leo Johnson’s outbursts in his comatose state that provide some scares for Bobby and Shelly but it is among these quirks that make it so irresistible to watch. Even as Tojamura makes an appearance to meet Pete Martell where he reveals his true identity.
Yet, it’s the climax where many of the characters converge at the Roadhouse where Julee Cruise performs two songs where a major event is revealed into not just the character BOB but also who is Laura’s killer as seen by Maddy Ferguson. The reveal is definitely an odd one as it only raises more questions than answers as well as some of the mysterious elements that relate to the contents in Laura’s diary with claims of molestation and abuse.
Lonely Souls is a phenomenal episode of Twin Peaks from David Lynch and writer Mark Frost. It’s an episode that closes some things but also opens to some newer questions about Laura Palmer’s death and the revelations to who killed her. Featuring some top-notch performances from Richard Beymer, Sheryl Lee, and Kyle MacLachlan, the episode isn’t just one of the show’s key episodes but also one that would mark some serious changes to the series. In the end, Lonely Souls is a remarkable episode of Twin Peaks from David Lynch.
Twin Peaks: Season 1: Pilot - Episode 1 - Episode 2 - Episode 3 - Episode 4 - Episode 5 - Episode 6 - Episode 7
Season 2: Episode 8 - Episode 9 - Episode 10 - Episode 11 - Episode 12 - Episode 13 - Episode 15 - (Episode 16) - (Episode 17) - (Episode 18) - (Episode 19) - (Episode 20) - (Episode 21) - (Episode 22) - (Episode 23) - (Episode 24) - (Episode 25) - (Episode 26) - (Episode 27) - (Episode 28) - (Episode 29)
Season 3: (Coming Soon)
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me - (The Missing Pieces)
© thevoid99 2015
Based on the novel by Frank Herbert, Dune is the story of a conflict between rival noble families in a futuristic planet over the control of that planet because of a mysterious melange that is the most valuable commodity in the universe. Written for the screen and directed by David Lynch, the film is an ambitious sci-fi story that plays into a young man trying to do what is right for his family and the universe as he also deals with evil forces driven by greed. Starring Kyle MacLachlan, Francesca Annis, Leonardo Cimino, Brad Dourif, Jose Ferrer, Linda Hunt, Freddie Jones, Richard Jordan, Virginia Madsen, Silvana Mangano, Everett McGill, Kenneth McMillan, Jack Nance, Sian Phillips, Jurgen Prochnow, Paul Smith, Patrick Stewart, Sting, Dean Stockwell, Max von Sydow, Alicia Witt, and Sean Young. Dune is an extravagant yet messy and drab film from David Lynch.
Set in a futuristic universe, the film revolves around a conflict over control of a planet that contains the most valuable commodity in the universe known as the spice. On the one side, you have the most powerful authority figure in the universe in Emperor Shaddam IV (Jose Ferrer) who has asked Baron Vladimir Harkonnen (Kenneth McMillan) of the planet Giedi Prime to handle the situation. On the other side is the House of Atreides led by Duke Leto Atreides (Jurgen Prochnow) who has become popular in his stance to do good with the world. Yet, the Emperor realizes through the guild that it is Atreides’ son Paul (Kyle MacLachlan) that is the threat due to his powers as it is believed that he is the prophet that can take control of the planet Arrakis and the spice itself leading to a conflict that involved assassinations and other devious things. These events would force Paul to lead a rebellion for the universe and give the people in Arrakis hope.
While it’s a story that is interesting, it is one that feels like there is more to say in this condensed version of a book that has to be complex but also very dense. Notably as David Lynch’s script tries to create some exposition into what is going on and what are the motivations of these characters. While Paul Atreides ponders his role as he wonders if he is everything this prophecy is, he is just a young man that is loyal to his family while is aware that he does have powers that very few possess. The script does acknowledge Paul as a threat to the Harkonnens and their desire to control the spice. They’re treated more as just sadistic buffoons as the Baron is a big fatass that has devices that makes him float in the air. There are some spiritual elements in the story that seems to be hinted but either it got condensed or simplified as it gets many of the motivations of the characters lost.
Lynch’s direction is definitely vast and filled with elements of surreal imagery as well as some extravagant set pieces that are interesting to watch. Yet, it’s not enough to keep things engaging as some of the visual effects come off as silly as well as moments that are overwhelming. While Lynch does create some unique compositions and some inspired usage of the camera angles, it is an attempt to try and keep much of the action and sci-fi elements engaging. Unfortunately, many of the complexities in the film do keep the film from moving along where it would plod along as there is so much happening as well as so many characters to keep track of. Though Lynch’s attempts to get the film’s climax to be exhilarating, it sort of falls flat where it is clear that there are these temporary alliances and such where a few characters would often switch sides and would pay for their movements. At the same time, there’s some moments that are unintentionally comical such as the character of the Baron’s nephew Feyd-Rautha who comes across as a nitwit with a thirst for blood. Overall, Lynch creates a very dull and often confusing film about a conflict over some commodity in the universe.
Cinematographer Freddie Francis does excellent work with the film‘s cinematography with some of the windy and dusty exteriors in the Mexican deserts as parts of the planet Arrakis to the lighting in some of the interior settings. Editor Antony Gibbs does nice work in the editing with its usage of dissolves for the dream-like sequences as well as some rhythmic cuts for the action. Production designer Anthony Masters, with set decorator Giorgio Desideri and supervising art director Pier Luigi Basile, does brilliant work with the set design from the look of the spaceships to the fortress in Arrakis in its interiors along with the look of the Emperor‘s palace. Costume designer Bob Ringwood does wonderful work with the costumes as it plays to some of the extravagance of the production as well as some of the darkness of the Harkonnens.
Special makeup effects artists Etsuko Egawa and Christopher Tucker do terrific work with the makeup in the look of the Baron as well as the look of the Bene Gesserit priestess that Paul‘s mother was a part of. Creature designer Carlo Rambaldi does fantastic work with the design of the sandworms as well as other creatures in the universe. Sound designer Alan Splet does superb work with the sound in creating some unique sound effects as well as textures to play into the world of the universe. The film’s music by Toto is amazing for some of the themes that are created that mixes rock with symphonic arrangements and ambient textures that includes contributions by Brian Eno who would create a thematic piece involving the prophecy as it‘s one of the film‘s highlights.
The casting by Jane Jenkins is good despite the fact that the great collection of actors assembled for the film don’t really get much to do. Among the individuals who appear in small roles that seem to suffer by their lack of screen time include Paul Smith as one of the Baron’s nephews in the Beast Rabban, Jack Nance as the Baron’s assistant Captain Iakin Nefud, Leonard Cimino as the Baron’s doctor, Brad Dourif as the devilish doctor Piter De Vries, Linda Hunt as a Bene Gesserit hostess in Shadout Mapes, Alicia Witt as Paul’s young sister Alia, Silvana Mangano as an elder Bene Gesserit who would transfer her powers to Lady Jessica, Virginia Madsen as Princess Irulan, and Max von Sydow as Arrakis engineer Dr. Kynes as they have some moments that are good but not enough to make them standout. From the House of Atreides, there’s some notable performances from Freddie Jones as Paul’s mentor Thufir Hawat, Richard Jordan as Paul’s friend Duncan, Dean Stockwell as Duke Leto’s advisor Dr. Yueh Wellington, and Patrick Stewart as a defense teacher of Paul in Gurney Halleck who would later join Paul in the rebellion.
Everett McGill is terrific as an Arrakis rebel leader named Stilgar who takes Paul and Lady Jessica into his secret base where he would become Paul’s most trusted ally. Sean Young is OK as an Arrakis rebel named Chani whom Paul would fall for as she would help him in the rebellion as she isn’t given much to do. Francesca Annis is wonderful as Paul’s mother Lady Jessica as Duke Leto’s concubine who is part of the Bene Gesserit sisterhood as she would aid Paul in becoming a leader. Jurgen Prochnow is excellent as Duke Leto Atreides as a leader who represents the good of the universe though there’s aspects of his role this severely underwritten. Gordon “Sting” Sumner is horrible as the Baron’s sadistic nephew Feyd-Rautha as he just looks like a fucking idiot in the film where he would wear this metallic underwear that makes him look dumber while he spends half the time overacting throughout the film.
Sian Phillips is alright as the Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam as the Bene Gesserit leader who realizes that Paul is the prophet as she aligns herself with the Emperor in control of the universe. Kenneth McMillan is lame as Baron Harkonnen as this antagonist who just craves power as he floats around the air as it’s a very over-the-top and idiotic performance that never takes itself seriously. Jose Ferrer is OK as Emperor Shaddam IV as the leader of the universe though it looks like he’s sleepwalking through the film as he never does anything to make the character memorable. Kyle MacLachlan is good as Paul Atreides as a young man who learns he has the power to do something as MacLachlan tries to bring in that sense of gravitas but is hampered by the weakness of the script.
Despite some of its technical brilliance, Dune is a terrible film from David Lynch. It’s a film, in its shortened theatrical cut, that tries so hard to be something big but manages to falter with its lackluster script and attempts to be something more than a typical sci-fi film. Especially for a story that is considered very challenging as Lynch and producer Dino de Laurentiis were unable to rise to the occasion. In the end, Dune is just a dull and un-engaging film from David Lynch.
Related: Jodorowsky's Dune - Dune-Part One (2021 film) - Dune-Part Two - (Dune: Messiah)
David Lynch Films: Eraserhead - The Elephant Man - Blue Velvet - Wild at Heart - Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me - Lost Highway - The Straight Story - Mulholland Dr. - INLAND EMPIRE
The Short Films of David Lynch Pt. 1 - The Short Films of David Lynch Pt. 2 - The Music Videos of David Lynch
The Auteurs #50: David Lynch: Pt. 1 - Pt. 2 - Pt. 3 - Pt. 4
© thevoid99 2015
Directed by Lesli Linka Glatter and written by Harley Peyton and Robert Engels, the fourteenth episode of Twin Peaks entitled Demons revolves in the aftermath of Audrey Horne’s rescue Special Agent Cooper, Sheriff Truman, and Hawk where Cooper has a revelation about the rescue. Even as he informs Benjamin Horne that he’s rescued Audrey where there is some concern from Audrey about her father knowing about his involvement in One-Eyed Jack’s. It’s an episode where there’s some closure in some storylines but more intrigue emerges as a major break occurs as it relates to the mysterious character called BOB. The sense of drama and suspense that looms in the episode as well as the aftermath of Donna Hayward and Maddy Ferguson’s attempt to retrieve Laura Palmer’s secret diary from Harold Smith would also have some revelations for the young women as Maddy decides to return home.
For Donna, the attempt would have her talk to Sheriff Truman about the attempt as she was saved by James Hurley who had no involvement though he is still under Truman’s watch. Arriving into Twin Peaks is Cooper’s superior Gordon Cole (David Lynch) who arrives with some news about Cooper’s former partner where Cole’s appearance as a man that is highly-deaf and wearing earphones with a machine attached to adds to many of the quirky elements of the episode. Especially as he talks very loudly with whoever he talks to as that person where it creates a few awkward moments but also some chilling moments. Most notably the ending where Hawk had finally captured the one-armed man Gerard who would convey a message from the spiritual world as revealed a lot about BOB as well as some key clues to who could be Laura Palmer’s killer.
That sense of drama and suspense also plays into Josie Packard’s own storyline as she is leaving Twin Peaks to return to Hong Kong under the threat of Jonathan where she makes a deal with Benjamin Horne and says goodbye to Truman who professes his love for her. It adds to a lot of what is going on as Horne’s attempt to deal with Mr. Tojamura becomes difficult as Leland Palmer has returned to work full time where his eccentric behavior becomes a liability. It’s among these serious moments that occur in the episode which includes Leo Johnson return in his vegetative state where Shelly and Bobby learn about how much money they’re getting where the outcome is disappointing. It’s among the moments in the episode that are intense yet is balanced by its humor such as the Gordon Cole character and a small subplot where Ed Hurley copes with Nadine’s newfound super-strength.
Demons is a superb episode of Twin Peaks from Lesli Linka Glatter as it’s an episode that not only maintains its offbeat tone but also adds a lot of stakes into what is happening as it relates to Laura Palmer’s death. Even as some big things are emerging while those in the small town of Twin Peaks are either benefiting or suffering from the outcome of her death. In the end, Demons is an excellent episode of Twin Peaks from Lesli Linka Glatter.
Twin Peaks: Season 1: Pilot - Episode 1 - Episode 2 - Episode 3 - Episode 4 - Episode 5 - Episode 6 - Episode 7
Season 2: Episode 8 - Episode 9 - Episode 10 - Episode 11 - Episode 12 - Episode 14 - Episode 15 - (Episode 16) - (Episode 17) - (Episode 18) - (Episode 19) - (Episode 20) - (Episode 21) - (Episode 22) - (Episode 23) - (Episode 24) - (Episode 25) - (Episode 26) - (Episode 27) - (Episode 28) - (Episode 29)
Season 3: (Coming Soon)
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me - (The Missing Pieces)
© thevoid99 2015
Directed by Graeme Clifford and written by Barry Pullman, the fifth episode of the second season of Twin Peaks entitled The Orchid’s Curse revolves around Special Agent Cooper’s attempt to rescue Audrey Horne from the hands of Jean Renault as he makes a discovery about the note she wrote to him which he hadn’t received while he watches over Leland Palmer’s trial and the decision over the now comatose Leo Johnson as the latter is coming home with Shelly and Bobby Briggs watching over him. It’s an episode where different paths start to emerge for the central characters where Cooper makes a plan to save Audrey as well as a plot by Donna Hayward and Maddy Ferguson to retrieve Laura Palmer’s diary from Harold Smith.
In the latter, it’s Donna’s attempt to try and make-up with Maddy after their issues over Maddy’s feelings for James Hurley as Donna tries to woo Smith in order to get the diary which she thinks is key to the mystery of her death. Yet, things become very complicated as Donna learns the severity of Smith’s agoraphobia as well as how plans can go wrong. The plan for Audrey’s rescue would be less complicated though both Benjamin Horne and Jean Renault would have different ideas of how to handle things with Horne hiring Hank Jennings to take care of some things including the money. Renault meanwhile has plans of his own where it’s more about getting leverage on Horne’s finances as well as complete control of One-Eyed Jack’s.
While it is a largely serious episode, there are elements of humor as it relates to Shelly Johnson and Bobby Briggs getting ready for Leo’s homecoming as well as Nadine Hurley returning from the hospital as it is one of the funniest moments of the episode. With Andy filling for Lucy and learning about his own sperm count, it’s one of the finest episodes of the second season as there’s also some intriguing moments that goes on. Most notably the arrival of the Japanese businessman Mr. Tojamura (Fumio Yamaguchi) who has a big business proposition for Benjamin Horne with money that is quite funny. It’s an episode that has this unique balance of intrigue, drama, and humor where a lot of things are coming together as well as some elements of the story that is starting to have some closure.
The Orchid’s Curse is a sensational episode of Twin Peaks from Graeme Clifford and writer Barry Pullman. It’s an episode that manages to make some closure on a few subplots but also pave the way for other things to happen as the mystery over who killed Laura Palmer continues. Even as it has this nice mix of chaos, mystery, and drama that makes the show so exciting. In the end, The Orchid’s Curse is a phenomenal episode of Twin Peaks by Graeme Clifford.
Twin Peaks: Season 1: Pilot - Episode 1 - Episode 2 - Episode 3 - Episode 4 - Episode 5 - Episode 6 - Episode 7
Season 2: Episode 8 - Episode 9 - Episode 10 - Episode 11 - Episode 13 - Episode 14 - Episode 15 - (Episode 16) - (Episode 17) - (Episode 18) - (Episode 19) - (Episode 20) - (Episode 21) - (Episode 22) - (Episode 23) - (Episode 24) - (Episode 25) - (Episode 26) - (Episode 27) - (Episode 28) - (Episode 29)
Season 3: (Coming Soon)
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me - (The Missing Pieces)
© thevoid99 2015
Directed by Todd Holland and written by Robert Engels, Mark Frost, Harley Peyton, and Jerry Stahl, the fourth episode of the second season of Twin Peaks entitled Laura’s Secret Diary relates to the mysterious diary of Laura Palmer that Harold Smith had been holding for some time as he reveals its contents to Donna Hayward. After meeting Maddy Ferguson to talk about the diary, Donna decides to call a truce with Maddy in order to work together while things in the town of Twin Peaks are starting to get strange. Notably as Leland Palmer has been arrested for Jacques Renault’s murder which he’s confessed to as he is later met by a judge (Royal Dano) to discuss what will happen to Palmer. Meanwhile, Andy talks to Dr. Hayward to see if he’s the father of Lucy’s baby while Dick Tremaine makes an offer to Lucy in one of the episode’s funniest subplots.
Yet, it’s an episode that balances the strange mix of humor, drama, and suspense where Josie Packard finally returns from Seattle as she meets with Pete Martell and Sheriff Truman as no one knows about whether Catherine is dead or alive. Still, Packard’s return would raise a lot of eyebrows as it relates to not just the land where the saw mill used to be and something more. Benjamin Horne would learn about Audrey’s whereabouts from Jean Renault as he turns to Special Agent Cooper for help in retrieving Audrey as he deals with the upcoming arrival of a famous hotel/food critic which also has Norma and Hank Jennings ready to get the diner to be in top shape. Yet, no one knows the identity of who this critic is while a mysterious Japanese businessman makes an arrival at the hotel.
The sense of mystery becomes prominent as Agent Cooper is calling on the town’s secret society to help him retrieve Audrey while there’s a lot going on as it relates to Leland Palmer as Ray Wise’s performance is definitely his best so far. The darker elements of the series do come to ahead when the power of Jean Renault is finally shown when he does something in front of an intoxicated Audrey as it reveals that as evil as he is. He’s also a man that can be reasonable and knows what to do in the world of business as Michael Parks bring a lot of charm to the performance. One aspect of the series that is revealed is the appearance of an Asian man who is revealed to be a relative of Packard as she orders him to take care of some loose ends.
Laura’s Secret Diary is a brilliant episode of Twin Peaks from Todd Holland as it maintains that sense of intrigue as well as introducing a lot more characters and motivations of some of the regulars. Especially as some action is taking place in relation to some of the stories and subplots as it is written with wit and mystery by its writers. In the end, Laura’s Secret Diary is an amazing episode in the second season of Twin Peaks.
Twin Peaks: Season 1: Pilot - Episode 1 - Episode 2 - Episode 3 - Episode 4 - Episode 5 - Episode 6 - Episode 7
Season 2: Episode 8 - Episode 9 - Episode 10 - Episode 12 - Episode 13 - Episode 14 - Episode 15 - (Episode 16) - (Episode 17) - (Episode 18) - (Episode 19) - (Episode 20) - (Episode 21) - (Episode 22) - (Episode 23) - (Episode 24) - (Episode 25) - (Episode 26) - (Episode 27) - (Episode 28) - (Episode 29)
Season 3: (Coming Soon)
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me - (The Missing Pieces)
© thevoid99 2015
Directed by Lesli Linka Glatter and written by Robert Engels, the third episode of the second season of Twin Peaks entitled The Man Behind Glass plays to not just Agent Cooper trying to find the whereabouts of Audrey Horne but also a clue that relates to a letter found underneath Ronette Pulaski’s fingernail. With the ongoing investigation continuing where Cooper and Sheriff Truman find some answers during a hypnosis session with Dr. Jacoby about who killed Jacques Renault. Emotions start to run very high in the small town of Twin Peaks as it relates to the various characters in the story.
With James Hurley and Maddy Ferguson getting closer, Donna Hayward starts to feel left out as her investigation on the Meals on Wheels program lead her to the reclusive Harold Smith (Lenny von Dohlen) who knew Laura Palmer through the program. Donna gets to know Harold as she starts to become frustrated with James’ feelings towards Maddy as it eventually starts to fall apart. Other notable small stories involve Nadine Hurley waking up from her coma thinking she is in high school much to Ed’s surprise while Lucy has a lunch-date with the very smug and pretentious Dick Tremayne (Ian Buchanan) where she reveals to him that he might be the father of her baby.
The episode would also play into the underworld of the town as it relate to One-Eyed Jack’s where Audrey remains captured as Jean Renault (Michael Parks) arrives with a plan to extort her father. At the same time, Renault wants revenge for his brothers as he is targeting Cooper while a mysterious Asian man is also watching over Cooper. The character of Phillip Michael Gerard would make an appearance over a shoe that Leo Johnson is wearing during an investigation over the mill arson as a glimpse into the mysterious picture of BOB would trigger something. Yet, it would become another break in the investigation about Laura’s death while Donna would make a discovery of her own at the end of the episode.
It’s not just the script that allows characters to be fleshed out more but also in the way everyone is starting to get emotional. Notably another confrontation between Truman and Agent Rosenfeld where the latter reveals what kind of man he is as it would baffle the former. Lesli Linka Glatter would maintain that sense of balance of offbeat and suspense to play into not just a town that is starting to become undone slowly. It’s also showcasing that things are changing where not everything will be great as alliances start to shatter and there are those that will try to create new alliances for darker reasons.
The Man Behind Glass is a superb episode of Twin Peaks by Lesli Linka Glatter and writer Robert Engels. With its cast once again on the top of its game and the story becoming more compelling, it is clear that more questions are being raised rather than answers being revealed. In the end, The Man Behind Glass is a fantastic episode of Twin Peaks.
Twin Peaks: Season 1: Pilot - Episode 1 - Episode 2 - Episode 3 - Episode 4 - Episode 5 - Episode 6 - Episode 7
Season 2: Episode 8 - Episode 9 - Episode 11 - Episode 12 - Episode 13 - Episode 14 - Episode 15 - (Episode 16) - (Episode 17) - (Episode 18) - (Episode 19) - (Episode 20) - (Episode 21) - (Episode 22) - (Episode 23) - (Episode 24) - (Episode 25) - (Episode 26) - (Episode 27) - (Episode 28) - (Episode 29)
Season 3: (Coming Soon)
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me - (The Missing Pieces)
© thevoid99 2015
Directed by David Lynch and written by Harley Peyton, the second episode of the second season of Twin Peaks entitled Coma revolves around the continuing investigation of Laura Palmer’s murder as Ronette Pulaski has finally woken up from her coma. Special Agent Cooper and Sheriff Truman question Pulaski who would reveal the visual identity of a mysterious third person as Leland Palmer would later claim to know who this man is. Meanwhile, Donna Hayward and Audrey Horne would each embark into their own investigations as the latter would find herself in great danger. It’s an episode where it raises more questions than answers as well as some dark motives involving the people at Twin Peaks.
With Donna Hayward taking on the Meals on Wheels job as she meets a strange customer in Mrs. Tremond (Frances Bay) who would tell Donna about a neighbor of hers who knew Laura as Laura would later receive a call from that man. At One Eyed Jack’s, Audrey would make a discovery about how Laura got to work at the place and who owns it as she would eventually blow her cover while her father and Agent Cooper realize she’s missing. It’s an episode where not much happens but there are things that do get stranger when Cooper receives a message from Major Briggs about what happened on the night Cooper got shot. What is revealed only adds more discomfort from Cooper who also learns that his former partner has just been released from an insane asylum.
Harley Peyton’s script explores a lot of the underworld that is in and out of Twin Peaks as it relates to how much power Benjamin Horne has and what he is trying to do. Most notably as his plans over a business deal with Icelandic businessmen are nearly ruined by Leland Palmer who told the Icelanders about the saw mill fire. There’s also little subplots that relate to Shelly Johnson and Bobby Briggs’ affair as they realize that Leo will be in a coma as Briggs conspires to cash in on Leo’s disability money. Another which involved Donna has her becoming jealous of James’ attraction towards Maddy Ferguson during a song they were recording.
David Lynch’s direction does feature some unique close-ups as it relate to this growing love triangle between Donna-James-Maddy as well as moments of surrealism and terror as it relates to what Ronette had seen as well as a dream Cooper would have near the end of the episode. The episode also plays into some of the humor as it relates to Deputy Andy trying to tape pictures in various places in the town where he would have tape stuck on his head. There is also some very strange and weird moments such as Donna’s meeting with Mrs. Tremond and her grandson (Austin Jack Lynch) as it showcases the world of the weird as it is among one of the highlights of the episode.
Coma is a superb episode of Twin Peaks from David Lynch and writer Harley Peyton as it maintains that sense of off-beat humor and intrigue. Especially as the cast is once again solid as well as the story as there’s more element of suspense and terror that goes on. In the end, Coma is an excellent episode of Twin Peaks from David Lynch.
Twin Peaks: Season 1: Pilot - Episode 1 - Episode 2 - Episode 3 - Episode 4 - Episode 5 - Episode 6 - Episode 7
Season 2: Episode 8 - Episode 10 - Episode 11 - Episode 12 - Episode 13 - Episode 14 - Episode 15 - (Episode 16) - (Episode 17) - (Episode 18) - (Episode 19) - (Episode 20) - (Episode 21) - (Episode 22) - (Episode 23) - (Episode 24) - (Episode 25) - (Episode 26) - (Episode 27) - (Episode 28) - (Episode 29)
Season 3: (Coming Soon)
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me - (The Missing Pieces)
© thevoid99 2015
Directed by David Lynch and teleplay by Mark Frost from a story by Lynch and Frost, the first episode of the second season of Twin Peaks entitled May the Giant Be With You picks up where the first season finale ended as Special Agent Dale Cooper is found in his hotel room wounded by a gunshot from a mysterious man. There, he would meet a mysterious giant (Carel Struycken) who would give him some clues that Cooper would listen to as he would later recover from his wounds. After learning about what happened Jacques Renault and Leo Johnson as the latter is in a coma, Special Agent Rosenfield returns to Twin Peaks to aid in the investigation despite his disdain for Sheriff Truman and his staff. The episode also plays into the aftermath of the Martell sawmill fire where Shelley Johnson and Pete Martell would survive while Catherine Martell’s fate remains unknown.
The events in aftermath would also mark some changes in the behaviors of a few while James Hurley would spend time in jail for drug possession as he confesses to Sheriff Truman what he was doing in Dr. Jacoby’s office. Dr. Jacoby would talk to Truman, Cooper, and Rosenfield about how he had gotten possession of the other half of Laura Palmer’s necklace as well as insight into things about Leo Johnson as Cooper learns that, despite still being a suspect, didn’t kill the other girl who had been killed a year earlier. Mark Frost’s script is very complex as it has a lot that is happening as Ed Hurley watches over Nadine who had attempted suicide and is now in a comatose state. Other subplots involve Audrey secretly working at One Eyed Jack’s where she gets herself in danger as she nearly has a sexual encounter with her father who doesn’t know what she is doing there.
Things do get stranger as David Lynch would create elements of surrealism as it relates to Cooper’s meeting with this mysterious giant as well as the ending which involves Ronette Pulaski finally awaken from her coma. Another moment of surrealism is when Maddy saw blood stains appearing in a carpet as if they were saying something to her. A later meeting with Donna Hayward where the two would wear Laura’s sunglasses would bring a change into their behaviors as it is among some of the new and strange things that is happening. Most notably Leland Palmer whose hair had suddenly turned white and is acting oddly happy for some reason that baffles everyone. Especially in a dinner where the Haywards invited the Palmers where Leland would sing for some odd reason.
There are characters whose fates remain unknown aside from Catherine Martell as Josie Packard had suddenly disappeared while Bobby Briggs would have a heart-to-heart with his father about Bobby’s future. It is among these moments that occur in the series as it plays into Lynch’s idea of small town life and its sense of peace and tranquility but there is darkness underneath. Especially as it only leaves more questions than answers over who killed Laura Palmer as the search is one for a mysterious third figure who might be the one that killed Palmer.
May the Giant Be With You is an incredible episode of Twin Peaks from David Lynch that doesn’t just open the second season with a bang but also maintains the sense of mystery and humor in the series. Especially as the cast is once again at the top of their game while bringing much more to their characters. In the end, May the Giant Be With You is a spectacular episode of Twin Peaks from David Lynch.
Twin Peaks: Season 1: Pilot - Episode 1 - Episode 2 - Episode 3 - Episode 4 - Episode 5 - Episode 6 - Episode 7
Season 2: Episode 9 - Episode 10 - Episode 11 - Episode 12 - Episode 13 - Episode 14 - Episode 15 - (Episode 16) - (Episode 17) - (Episode 18) - (Episode 19) - (Episode 20) - (Episode 21) - (Episode 22) - (Episode 23) - (Episode 24) - (Episode 25) - (Episode 26) - (Episode 27) - (Episode 28) - (Episode 29)
Season 3: (Coming Soon)
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me - (The Missing Pieces)
© thevoid99 2015
Directed by Pete Docter and Ronnie del Carmen and screenplay by Docter, Meg LaFauve, and Josh Cooley from a story Docter and del Carmen, Inside Out is the story about five figures representing different emotions who observe a young girl who copes with moving to a new city as they embark onto an adventure. The film explores not just a family dealing with a new move as it is largely told by emotional spirits who observe everything that is happening in these ongoing changes in life. Featuring the voices of Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Bill Hader, Mindy Kaling, Lewis Black, Kyle MacLachlan, Diane Lane, and Kaitlyn Dias. Inside Out is a compelling yet evocative film from Pete Docter and Ronnie del Carmen.
Lava
Written and directed by James Ford McMurphy, Lava is a musical short film that revolves a volcano falling in love. It is a simple short story where a volcano is singing to find someone to love as he often sees two of everything while being unaware that there’s a volcano under the sea looking for him. It’s a visually-exhilarating and evocative short film that features the voices of Kuana Torres Kahele and Napua Greig as these volcanoes as they both sing the song continuously which is presented in a traditional Hawaiian presentation. The result isn’t just one of Pixar’s finest shorts but also a love story that manages to be so much more.
Inside Out
The film revolves around the five emotions inside the mind of a young girl as she copes with moving from Minnesota to San Francisco as things go wrong prompting two key emotional figures to retrieve some core memories that define this young girl. It’s a story that is about a young girl growing up and coping with changes in her life as she struggles to adapt to her new situation only to act out in ways she couldn’t understand. Most notably as her two main emotions in Joy (Amy Poehler) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith) struggle to retrieve core emotions from a world of long-term emotions where Disgust (Mindy Kaling), Fear (Bill Hader), and Anger (Lewis Black) are forced to take over where things go wrong. Even as they would try to do something to make her happy again but realize that all five emotions need each.
The film’s screenplay does start off with the birth of Riley (Kaitlyn Dias) and the emergence of Joy who would be the leader of controlling Riley’s emotions as she is later joined by Sadness, Disgust, Fear, and Anger. Joy would also make sure that Riley’s most important moment would emerge as they would represent core memories and special islands that represent her personality. When Riley is forced to move from Minnesota to San Francisco with her parents (Kyle MacLachlan and Diane Lane), things become complicated where Joy tries to maintain control but an incident where Sadness touches a core memory orb would trouble things as an attempt to discard it would force Joy and Sadness out of their headquarters and into the world where Riley’s long term memories are at. The script doesn’t just have elements of adventure but also drama and humor as there is a balance to the many things that occur in the film. Most notably as the five emotional figures are well-rounded characters who are just trying to manage a young girl’s emotional state.
The direction of Pete Docter and Ronnie del Carmen is quite vast in not just their approach to the world that Riley and her family is in but how it’s viewed from her emotional figures. It is presented with a richness in the 3D-computer animation style as it plays into not just the world that these characters are in but also what they need to do. Though much of what Riley experience is controlled by Joy, the sense of curiosity from Sadness would be the catalyst for what is to come. Most notably as it plays into the sense of change that Riley would encounter in San Francisco ranging from all sorts of things include veggie pizza, not having things at the home already, and not feeling the need to play hockey. It plays into not just a girl growing up but finding herself at odds with her surroundings as she becomes moody where Anger, Disgust, and Fear try to make her happy but a lot of comical hi-jinks ensue and more.
The direction also plays into some very strange moments where Joy and Sadness meet with an old imaginary friend of Riley in Bing Bong (Richard Kind) where they try to catch a train to the headquarters as the stop into a world that is literally abstract. It plays into things that these emotions aren’t able to comprehend as they’re growing along with Riley where Joy is forced to come to terms that she can’t control everything. What would happen wouldn’t just be moments that are very emotional but also some realization that all of these emotions have to be together help develop a person in its growth despite all of the growing pains this young girl would go through. Overall, Docter and del Carmen create a sprawling yet riveting film about a group of emotions watching the development of a young girl.
Editor Kevin Nolting does excellent work by going for something straightforward with some montages for the film‘s opening pre-credits sequence that plays into the life of young Riley. Production designer Ralph Eggleston and art director Bert Berry do amazing work with the look of the headquarters where the emotions do their job as well as the land outside of headquarters and the dark abyss in between. Sound designer Ren Klyce and sound editor Shannon Mills do fantastic work with the sound from the sound effects that occur in the world outside of headquarters as well as the places that Riley goes to. The film’s music by Michael Giacchino does brilliant work with the film’s music as it features an orchestral score that is very playful as well as some quirky elements that play into its humor and themes to play into its sense of despair.
The casting by Natalie Lyon and Kevin Reher is incredible as it features voice work from Pixar regular John Ratzenberger as a cloud, Bobby Moynihan and Paula Poundstone as a couple of forgetters who suck out fading long-term memories, Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea as a mind-worker cop, Frank Oz and Dave Goelz as a couple of security guards, Paula Pell in a dual role as a dream director and the mother’s anger, Josh Cooley as the fear manifestation in the form of a clown, Lori Alan as mother’s sadness, Pete Docter as father’s anger, Rashida Jones as a cool girl’s various voices of emotions, and Carlos Alazraqui in a dual voice role as father’s fear and an imaginary Brazilian helicopter pilot. Richard Kind is terrific as the voice of an old imaginary friend named Bing Bong who helps Joy and Sadness find their way back as he also hopes that Riley would remember him. Kyle MacLachlan and Diane Lane are superb as Riley’s parents who deal with Riley’s sudden moodiness as it relates to their new living situation and changes in their life. Kaitlyn Dias is amazing as the voice of Riley as an 11-year old girl who deals with growing pains and changes in her life as Dias brings a realist approach to anyone who has deal with growing pains in that age.
Lewis Black is brilliant as Anger as he represents someone that knows when to push buttons as he comes up with a plan that he thinks will get Riley to become happy. Bill Hader is hilarious as Fear as someone who is constantly scared as he always list things that should go wrong on a certain day. Mindy Kaling is excellent as Disgust as a manifestation who makes Riley say no to broccoli and other things while giving Riley things not to like. Phyllis Smith is phenomenal as Sadness where Smith brings a lot of emotional weight and curiosity to the role as it adds a balance to Riley’s emotional turmoil. Finally, there’s Amy Poehler in a remarkable voice performance as Joy as the upbeat head of emotions who tries to maintain some control unaware of how troubled Riley is in her growing pains forcing her to grow up a bit as it’s that great mix of humor and realism in Poehler’s voice.
Inside Out is a tremendous film from Pete Docter and Ronnie del Carmen as it is definitely one of Pixar’s finest films. It’s a film that doesn’t just explore the idea of growing pains but also one that is told through various emotions that try to cope with changing times and changing worlds. It’s also a film that manages to be so much in terms of bending genres as well as be something that kids and adults could relate to in terms of growing up and change. In the end, Inside Out is a magnificent film from Pete Docter, Ronnie del Carmen, and Pixar.
Pixar Films: Toy Story - A Bug's Life - Toy Story 2 - (Monsters Inc.) - (Finding Nemo) - The Incredibles - Cars - Ratatouille - WALL-E - Up - Toy Story 3 - Cars 2 - Brave - Monsters University - The Good Dinosaur - (Finding Dory) - (Cars 3) - Coco - Incredibles 2 - Toy Story 4 - (Onward) - Soul (2020 film) - (Luca (2021 film)) - Turning Red - (Lightyear) - (Elemental (2023 film)) - Inside Out 2 - (Elio) – (Toy Story 5)
© thevoid99 2015
