Celebrate The Life And Legacy Of David Lynch At The Ritz Randwick

The recent death of David Lynch is still being felt throughout the film-loving world. Lynch earned a reputation as a truly singular artist that made him one of the most influential filmmakers of both the 20th and 21st centuries; there’s a reason that ‘Lynchian’ has become common parlance when discussing surrealist art. 

Yet despite his influence, there’s still nothing quite like watching a Lynch film, a fact we’re all discovering as we rewatch his works. Luckily for us, The Ritz in Randwick is giving you the chance to watch 8 of the director’s films in cinemas with their new program David Lynch Forever. 

Across 8 days, you’ll be able to taste the entire smorgasboard of Lynch’s unique vision of cinema. Be it the early cult masterpiece Eraserhead, a rare screening of Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me or his magnum opus Mulholland Drive, this retrospective is a fantastic chance to revisit Lynch for the hundredth time, or discover him for the first. 

From personal experience, I can assure you that watching Lynch movies in theatres is the best way to do it. With only the light of the cinema screen illuminating the darkness, you can fully embrace the strange and the sublime in Lynch’s work in the place he intended. 

The significance of David Lynch to The Ritz

Speaking to City Hub, The Ritz’s James Durante explains the connection the cinema has to Lynch. 

“Lynch is a huge inspiration to me and so many of my colleagues,” Jaymes says. “He was, for many of us, an entry point into a world of challenging and provocative cinema that inspired us to be a part of this industry.”

In fact, Lynch’s films have been an essential part of the cinema’s history. Jaymes recalls: “We’ve screened all of his films numerous times across the years, and in 2021 we ran a full David Lynch retrospective to celebrate his 75th birthday, screening all 10 of his films during a time when our survival as a business was uncertain. 

“To see thousands of people turn out to see these strange masterpieces reminded us that there was a future for the form.”

Like all cinephiles, The Ritz were shocked to learn about the passing of Lynch, and worked hard to make this program happen. “We wanted to give everyone the opportunity to revel in his genius in a big cinema in the dark, and do it as soon as we possibly could,” Jaymes says. 

“We are a small and enthusiastic team, so whilst it was certainly an effort and a quick turnaround, it felt we were working to pay tribute to a master in the only way we knew how.”

Jaymes promises custom pre-shows before each film with interviews and clips of Lynch throughout the years, as well as serving “damn fine coffee” that Dale Cooper approve of. 

Above all else, Jaymes guarantees each film will be presented in the best way possible: “His films epitomise the cinematic experience. So come and revisit your favourite Lynch films, fill in your blind spots, and experience some incredible cinema.”

All the films in David Lynch Forever

Eraserhead, Thursday January 30th

Lynch’s first feature-length project is still one of his most recognisable, influential works. The evocative black-and-white photography and remarkable sound design combine to tell a story of familial and parental anxiety in a way only Lynch could.

The Elephant Man, Friday January 31st

Vaguely considered one of Lynch’s most “normal” films, The Elephant Man was nominated for eight Academy Awards and was a runaway hit. Starring Anthony Hopkins and John Hurt, this film proves that even when making a “normal” prestige drama, Lynch always knew what he was doing. 

Blue Velvet on 35mm, Saturday February 1st

When I think of David Lynch, my mind always goes to Blue Velvet. His first effort after the disastrous production of his Dune, this film saw him return to a key theme of his career: an exploration of the darkness and desire lurking beneath picturesque suburbia. This screening at the Ritz is also on a stellar 35mm print; if by some chance you’ve never seen a Lynch film, this is a great place to start.

Wild at Heart, Sunday February 2nd

The Palme d’Or-winning Wild at Heart has long been hailed as one of the wildest, most passionate depictions of love on-screen as Sailor Ripley (Nicolas Cage) and Lula Fortune (Laura Dern) attempt to make the life of their dreams. It also marks the beginning of the 90s Lynch era.

Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me, Monday February 3rd

It’s hard to quantify the impact of Twin Peaks on pop culture, given its impact on the television drama scene. Initially trashed when it came out, the prequel film Fire Walk with Me has since become a beloved entry in the Lynch pantheon as it explores the last week Laura Palmer spent alive. Be aware that having seen Twin Peaks is practically essential for this film. 

Lost Highway, Tuesday February 4th

A serious frontrunner for Lynch’s most bizarre film, Lost Highway is nonetheless an enticing cinematic vision that could’ve only come out of David Lynch in the 90s. An honest-to-god headspin of a film, its themes of impotence and desire are harder to discern than his other works. My advice? Enjoy the ride regardless!

Mulholland Drive, Wednesday February 5th

It’s kind of a miracle that Mulholland Drive is so fantastic, considering it was initially pitched and eventually rejected as a TV pilot, but went on to be one of the all-time great films. A neo-noir vision of Hollywood that’s equal parts dreamy and gritty, this is Lynch at his finest (at least in my opinion) as he spins a vicious love letter to the entertainment industry that he had operated in for so long.

Inland Empire, Thursday February 6th

It’s hard to believe that Lynch’s last film, Inland Empire, came out in 2006. He nonetheless made his mark with the film, an expansive 3 hour-plus film about the mental state of a Hollywood actress (Laura Dern) fracturing during a cursed production. What better way to experience this film than in cinemas?

More info about David Lynch Forever can be found on The Ritz website.