The end of a surrealist era: Remembering David Lynch

The highly critically acclaimed director David Lynch died on Wednesday 16th January aged 78.

His family released a statement saying: “It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch. We would appreciate some privacy at this time. There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us. But, as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole.’ It’s a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way.”

The visionary director had a long and well publicised battle with emphysema.

Lynch began his mind-bending and unsettling film career with short films in the 1960s before releasing his debut feature film, Eraserhead, in 1977. With Oscar nominated films such as The Elephant Man, Mulholland Drive, and Blue Velvet, Lynch became known for surrealist cinematic style.

It wasn’t just film he had made his mark on, Lynch conquered television too with cult classic series Twin Peaks. The show ran for two seasons, debuting in 1990, before a highly anticipated revival in 2017.

Born in Montana, 20th January 1946, David Lynch was the son of a research scientist and was an artistic and rebellious child. This rebellion echoed into his work with Eraserhead and continued with The Elephant Man, which was praised for how it tackled emotionally stigmatised issues. This was the beginning of Lynch’s critical acclaim.

David Lynch in his home screening room. Credit: Gettyimages

Lynch won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and received numerous Academy Awards nominations, including the Honorary Academy Award in 2019.

His later life was spent painting and posting on his YouTube channel while continuing to make short films – doing what he loved to the end.

David Lynch will forever be a cult icon and a revered filmmaker, inspiring many with his art.