Getty ImagesDavid Lynch had a unique style that was both dreamlike and nightmarish. He was inspired to become a filmmaker when he heard a gust of wind while painting and saw the artwork move on canvas. This moment ignited his obsession with “seeing paintings move” and his talent for twisting realities on screen for nearly four decades.
The 78-year-old director, who passed away after announcing an emphysema diagnosis, was known for creating unsettling worlds hidden within everyday society. From TV series Twin Peaks to films like Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive, Lynch’s work was defined by his flair for the bizarre.
Born in Missoula, Montana in 1946, Lynch’s parents encouraged his artistic talents from a young age. His rebellious spirit and frustration with suburban life inspired his dark and twisted storytelling, which he brought to life in his debut feature Eraserhead.
Despite some setbacks in Hollywood, Lynch found success with films like Blue Velvet and TV projects like Twin Peaks, which redefined the possibilities of television. His Los Angeles trilogy and final feature film, Inland Empire, continued to challenge audiences with their mind-bending narratives.
In his later years, Lynch enjoyed cult status and returned to Twin Peaks with a new series in 2017. Despite his struggles to balance fatherhood with his career, Lynch’s impact on the film industry was undeniable. In 2019, he received an honorary lifetime achievement award from the Academy.