I watched David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive not too long ago, and I thought it was brilliant. I liked the fact that when the movie gets to a certain point, what you thought was reality gets completely flipped on its ear; yet there is a consistency and a meaning behind the alternative reality.
Are there any other movies or novels/short stories that are similar to this? It’s not necessarily about a “twist” or shocking ending; but I’d like to see something where the viewer is led down a certain path and assumes everything is as it seems, only to learn that there is much more to the story than what he sees. Maybe something with an unreliable narrator, but not one that outright lies to the viewer or reader (The Machinist is another example of a screwy, almost confusing story seen through the eyes of a character who’s not quite honest with himself.)
Thanks!
There’s Lost Highway and Inland Empire, Lynch’s films immediately prior and following Mulholland, though both are inferior to that film. All three films follow a common theme of shifting identities that Lynch seems to be working out, and in my opinion compose a kind of trilogy.
I think some of Jim Jarmusch’s movies are vaguely similar. Down By Law is one. Stranger Than Paradise is another.
Oh, and how many times have you watched Mulholland Drive? Because you can always watch it again. Seriously.
Just once. I’d like to watch it again now that I’m aware of Diane/Betty’s inner reality, but the movie gave me nightmares for a few days due to the well done and horrific ending. I’d like to avoid those dreams if I can, but I’m sure I’ll see it again someday.
If you’re willing to move to TV, I’d strongly suggest Twin Peaks. It’s only two seasons long (and you really don’t have to watch the second half of the second season if you don’t want to) so you can watch from beginning to end fairly quickly.
Definitely, watch the series* Twin Peaks*. Be sure to include the Pilot.
I enjoyed eXistenZ, written & directed by David Cronenberg. Don’t read about it beforehand–let the movie surprise you!
Not sure if this is what you’re asking for, but you might like Primer. Less than 80 minutes in length, which is good, because you may watch it again once it’s over.
Although not quite as bizarre as most of the titles discussed so far, *The Usual Suspects *perfectly fits your description of “something where the viewer is led down a certain path and assumes everything is as it seems…”
Also, I second the recommendation of *Lost Highway *if you want something as twisted and alogical as Mulholland Drive. Lynch himself has compared his movies to dreams, and explained that he isn’t trying to tell a logical story, but to create a mood and a feeling…TRM
Memento is pretty wild if you haven’t seen it yet.
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