Inland Empire

So I was able to get down to the Brattle to see Inland Empire (I linked to the trailer in my last post: Onion Cellar) . It was excellent, though it’s definitely going to require some repeat viewings. While watching it, I was trying my best to figure out the mystery — then I came to the realization that until I’ve seen every last second there is no way I’ll know whats going on. For example, the end of Mulholland Drive is essential to understanding the story.

It had quite a few humorous parts, and I really like the dancing. This film also seemed to have more suspense/thriller aspects to it. The creepy hallway shots. There was a conspicuous lack of blue lighting — it seems a white strobe took its place. Another thing I like Mr. Lynch’s films is that he draws from the same pool of actors/actresses again and again, much like Christopher Guest.

So, I liked the movie a lot– Another viewing is required before I can even begin to understand the story; most like more than one.

Update: 2 Good stories about the empire:

The Trippy Dream Factory of David Lynch

From Salon

Onion Cellar

I was planning on checking out the new David Lynch film: Inland Empire, but then I went and saw the dress rehearsal of the new Dresden Dolls play/concert/art-thingamajig called the Onion Cellar. It’s showing at the Zero Arrow Theater, and as usual the dolls put on an magnificent show. I don’t want to say too much, and ruin the show… I didn’t get a chance to Lynch’s blue lighting (if his new movie has it), but the dolls brought the thunder and some bizarre characters. Their use of the theater was exceptional, with various parts happening on all four sides of the theater.

The seats we had were touching the stage, a little to right of the forward extension:

One of my favorite parts is when they have an old man stand in the center of stage holding a glass of whiskey, motionless, while the dolls rock out behind him. Anyway, as they say what happens in the onion cellar stays in the cellar.

Update: The Phoenix has an interesting article about the play: http://www.thephoenix.com/article_ektid28733.aspx. After reading that I realize how much better the play could’ve been (using my imagination of course). I still think it’s good, but if they touched some more difficult topics I would have found it much more appealing. I remember saying afterwards I thought that it could have used more diversity in the issues displayed…. and after this article the issues would have been a hell of a lot more interesting.

Update: Another good article: http://www.boston.com/ae/theater_arts/articles/2006/12/03/creative_risks_are_at_heart_of_onion_cellar/