Dreaming of Cinema and Art: David Lynch's Room To Dream

 Room to Dream 

by David Lynch and Kristine McKenna

David Lynch by Sasha Kargaltsev, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

I love David Lynch films and various other projects. Years ago, I read his book Catching the Big Fish about transcendental meditation and loved it. His style was so conversational and personal, and I found this book to be somewhat similar. It was interesting to have two writers on this memoir—the first section kind of recapping and summarizing what happened historically during this time period, and then the personal monologue from Lynch. Both were enjoyable, and I found the kind of historical and artistic context was helpful in making sense of Lynch’s recollections, which were not always perfect but entertaining. I’ve heard some of the stories before as well in other interviews and documentaries with and about Lynch, but I found that this book went more in depth with not only some of the background in his experiences (living in Philly is a particularly interesting chapter), but also how and why he decided to become an artist and decisions he made during his films. It was also great to learn more about his work with specific actors and how they collaborate during the making of a film. Of particular interest was the Ronnie Rocket script that has never been made. After reading this book, I watched the Twin Peaks Return series, and I could see a lot of the themes from Ronnie Rocket in this show, especially around the idea of electricity and its conductive and mysterious powers. Furthermore, I think that in looking at Lynch’s other films and reading this book, I was able to learn more about some of the recurring themes and images that populate his films. The book renewed my interest in David Lynch, and it serves as a great compliment to viewing and understanding his work. Recommended for fans and those seeking to understand more about him. I find his writing to be so enjoyable and entertaining.