Lynch/Oz (2022)

"There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about The Wizard of Oz."

-David Lynch, 2001

A collection of video essays from filmmakers and critics that examines the influence and impact of Victor Fleming's 1939 film throughout American culture. It analyzes Lynch's seemingly single-minded obsession in his career, creating a throughline between all his work. Besides the obvious Wild at Heart connection or the clear connotations in Mulholland Drive, I didn't think too much of this at first, but now I'm entirely convinced it has subconsciously permeated a lot of his narrative. He is literally the man behind the curtains.

Some of these are reaches to be sure, which I think dilutes its messaging, but it's fun to go back through his work searching for a common thread. To borrow from another work, it takes you down a deep rabbit hole of an influential singular vision. Contains spoilers for several of his films, so be forewarned.

3 places like home out of 5

The People vs. George Lucas (2010)

Here's a novel idea for a documentary: have a bunch of fans lash out at the creator of their favorite franchise and watch how they bite the hand that feeds them. Kind of takes on an interesting debate as to whether art belongs to the public or whether the Inventor has a right to tweak and deny his original vision. As an impartial viewer (who has enjoyed the movies for what they're worth), I find it fascinating how ambivalent their feelings turn; as to whether Lucas owes it to his fans to cater these movies for them or if he's right re-inventing and introducing them to new and younger audiences. Of course, the debate never reaches an end. Mainly focuses on the special editions and the prequel trilogy, but touches briefly on Indy 4, too.

3 internally conflicted fans out of 5