From his cult classic television series Twin Peaks to his most recent film Inland Empire (2006), David Lynch is best known for his unorthodox narrative style. An award-winning director, producer, and writer, Lynch distorts and disrupts traditional storylines and offers viewers a surreal, often nightmarish perspective. His unique approach to filmmaking has made his work familiar to critics and audiences worldwide, and he earned Academy Award nominations for Best Director for The Elephant Man (1980), Blue Velvet (1986), and Mulholland Drive (2001).

Lynch creates a new reality for both characters and audience by focusing on the individual and embracing existentialism. In The Philosophy of David Lynch, editors William J. Devlin and Shai Biderman have compiled an impressive list of contributors to explore the philosophy at the core of the filmmaker's work. Lynch is examined as a postmodern artist, and the themes of darkness, logic, and time are discussed in depth. Other prominent issues in Lynch's films, such as Bad faith and freedom, ethics, politics, and religion, are also considered. Investigating myriad aspects of Lynch's influential and innovative work, The Philosophy of David Lynch provides a fascinating look at the philosophical underpinnings of the famous cult director.

About the Author

William J. Devlin is assistant professor of philosophy at Bridgewater State University. He lives in Bridgewater, Massachusetts.

Shai Biderman is in the philosophy department at Boston University. He lives in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Reviews
Very well done. The Philosophy of David Lynch shows careful attention both to philosophical rigour and to the nuances of a complicated filmmaker. James B. South, Philosophy, Marquette University|""Contributions from leading scholars in the areas of philosophy, film, and popular culture make The Philosophy of David Lynch a timely and accessible study of the director's thought-provoking body of work. With its broad scope and diverse perspectives, this definitive volume will gain the attention of scholars and the gratitude of Lynch's many fans."" Steven M. Sanders, editor of The Philosophy of Science Fiction Film|""If you've ever felt lost in the surreal cinema of David Lynch this book is just the philosophical roadmap you need to guide you through the Twin Peaks and along the lost highway to Mulholland Drive."" William Irwin, editor of The Matrix and Philosophy|"Lynch's position within contemporary popular culture... provides a fascinating platform to reflect upon the relationship between his films and philosophical approaches to cinema and popular culture... There is no doubt that Lynch's work is worthy of such study, and this collection, which is enjoyable to read and digest, offers a good deal of food for thought."" Cercles



Book Information
ISBN 9780813129914
Author William J. Devlin
Format Hardback
Page Count 258
Imprint The University Press of Kentucky
Publisher The University Press of Kentucky