The Short Films of David Lynch (2002)

An anthology of six shorts from early in Lynch's career (1966-1996), including student films and other commissioned projects, accompanied by introductions from the director. While I can't say I liked any of these personally, there's no denying the singular vision present in these works. There is no way David Lynch was not going to become who he was. Some of these are so dense and inscrutable, all you can do is sit back and watch in stunned silence. The "best" of these, The Cowboy and the Frenchman (1988), is a slapstick film featuring veterans Harry Dean Stanton and Jack Nance. All of them defy convention.

3 "what the hell?" out of 5

I DON'T KNOW JACK [2002]

With I Don't Know Jack, documentary director Chris Leavens shines the spotlight on deceased actor Jack Nance, who's known mostly for parts in David Lynch works, most importantly the iconic lead in Eraserhead.
The film is mostly a series of interviews with former co-workers, friends & family and the homicide detective assigned to Nance's murder case.  We're given a little insight into the actor's past, his troubled alcoholism and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death.  However, it's mostly just a lot of reminiscing about an eccentric man most people don't even know.  If you don't know who the man is, then this does nothing to spark any sort of interest in his works.  If you're already familiar then there might be the odd funny story but it mostly seems like a lengthy funeral tribute to Nance for those closest to him.

2 almost Graduates out of 5

Ghoulies (1985)

Let's face it, if you still want to watch Ghoulies after seeing the cover art (or even because of it) then you're either budarc or you're well-prepared for a mid 80s horror movie with idiot protagonists and women with perms.
It's typical low budget horror hokum crap with puppets, but I was disappointed that the rubbery turds the film is named for don't actually do very much. Instead, it's left to the hammy actors and the reanimated corpse to provide the filler, of which there is much.

1 LBRP out of 5

ERASERHEAD [1977]

Along with Night Of The Living Dead, Pink Flamingos, The Evil Dead and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, David Lynch's Eraserhead is one of the definitive Midnight Movie cult classics. And with good reason.
A bizarre little black and white film, layered with a loud and sometimes subtle industrial soundscape, corners filled shadows you can almost swear something is watching you from within and outrageously awkward moments that make you squirm in your seat.
Jack Nance's hilarious and sympathetic Henry Spencer role, seals the deal for him as a long time member of the Lynch Mob.
Lynch creates a foreboding post-apocalypsish world that is somehow all too familiar like a dream or nightmare we've long since buried.
With it's ludicrous humor, creepily effective slow pacing and dreamlike elements of sci-fi, David Lynch's Eraserhead is a no-brainer when it comes to a Halloween Horror run.

5 roses up the bum (business end sticking out) out of 5