INLAND EMPIRE

"It's alright... You're dyin' is all"

I finally had the chance to see the latest David Lynch movie yesterday. I almost missed out on it too - it was my mother who called me up a few days ago to tell me it was shown at a small (and insignificant) theater downtown. The very last show-time of only four screenings was last night... I even took an hour off work to get there on time.

In case you haven't figured it out by now... I am a Lynch-freak. I love his movies more than any one - he strikes a chord with me, and sends wonderful shivers up my spine. He makes me laugh, smile, cry, crawl into a dark corner in fear... if there is an emotion that a human being can experience - David Lynch is the man to bring it out in me.

The movie's been out on DVD for a while, but I never even bought it. Simply because I was hoping to be able to catch it in the theater first... and boy am I glad I waited.

Now I need to get my hands on the DVD, however. Couldn't find it anywhere today, so I guess I'll have to order it online. I want to see this masterpiece again... real soon!

Ooops... I'm rambling here. I meant to post a review of the movie - so here goes.

If you're into conventional, mainstream movies - you are not going to have a good time watching INLAND EMPIRE. If you're into action movies, or American Pie-type comedies... INLAND EMPIRE is likely to leave you unsatisfied, unfulfilled and majorly frustrated.

If you have the ability to suspend rational thought, and conventional plot structure, and just let the experience take you where ever it wants to go... INLAND EMPIRE is quite possibly the most entertaining journey you will ever embark on.

Nikki Grace (Laura Dern) is an actress who tries to make it back in the movies. When she gets the role of Susan Blue, her road to stardom is paved for her. However, it turns out that the movie is in fact a remake. A remake of a film that was never finished, because it is believed to be cursed. Something in the story itself... and the two leads of the original film were murdered.

So far... so good. You seem to have a plot there.

But... in the words of Grace Zabriskie (who also played Laura Palmer's mother in Twin Peaks).

"I can't seem to remember if it's today, two days from now, or yesterday. I suppose if it was 9:45, I'd think it was after midnight!"

Laura Dern's performance in this film may very well be one of the best in cinematic history. She's simply outstanding... going from rich and elegant to a beat up white trash whore.

It's really hard to explain this movie. But... if you think you can stomach it - go see it! Preferably at the theater, but if that is not a possibility - get the freakin' DVD.

Until then... just feast your eyes on this trailer.