This has been quite the week of DVD releases for me. First up was Hamlet, one of my favorite films of all time, next was the new collector’s edition of Serenity, and then came the latest from arguably my favorite filmmaker David Lynch. Inland Empire feels like the third installment in a trilogy of Lynch films focusing on identity starting with Lost Highway and then Mullholland Drive. Like those two films it demands multiple viewings and leaves you with a multitude of ways to interpret it. Before I saw the film I read many reviews that avoided a plot synopsis altogether as they said it was too difficult. I think that’s a cop out. The film follows Laura Dern, who gives an Oscar worthy performance, as an actress who literally loses herself in her role and then becomes something else all together. There’s also a sitcom with bunny/human hybrids and a girl who’s crying while watching TV. Alright fine, maybe I can’t explain the plot but for me that’s part of the beauty of the film. In the end much like Drive, I felt as if I had some ideas as to what happened and what everything represented but more importantly the film left an emotional imprint upon me as I found myself crying and caring for people and characters that I did not connect with in the traditional filmatic sense. Empire also serves as Lynch’s introduction to digital video and the results are breathtaking. As someone who likes to play with darkness and levels of shadow, the digital video format is a perfect fit for Lynch and it also gives him an opportunity to shoot at a quicker pace which is probably important for a film that is shot in both LA and Poland. Again if you’re not a Lynch fan this might not be for you but if you are this is a must see.
Unofficial DVD week continues tomorrow with a quick review of the Heroes Season 1 set and Thursday I’ll have my thoughts on the release of Will Ferrell’s Blades of Glory. Next week brings The Office Season 3, 30 Rock Season 1, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia Seasons 1 and 2, so we’ve got plenty of new releases to explore. Then after all that, get ready for my second annual guide to the new TV season. I’ll break down every night of the week highlighting both new shows and returning favorites. Yes it’s almost that time of the year where you can draw your shades, turn your phone on silent and pause your Netflix membership, because you’ve got new TV to watch. Woo hoo!
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