Triskel pays tribute to brilliance of late, great director Lynch

It is difficult to contemplate the realm of cinema and its lasting impact without thinking of the late David Lynch.

After he burst onto the scene with his debut film in 1977, Lynch carved out a niche as an extraordinary visionary. His enigmatic style captivates audiences, drawing them into surreal landscapes where reality blurs with the fantastical.

This unique approach not only resonated deeply with viewers, but also ignited the imaginations of a new generation of film-makers, encouraging them to explore the limitless possibilities of film in bold and innovative ways.

Lynch did not just leave his mark on cinema, but on television, too, with Twin Peaks.

When he died earlier this year, the outpouring of grief from the film community was immense. We lost a giant of visionary cinema, but Lynch’s influence continues to weave itself into the fabric of cinematic legacy, leaving an indelible mark on the art form.

To mark Lynch’s legacy, Triskel Cinema is presenting six of his films commencing on Sunday, March 16. Like many others in the film world, Chris O’Neill, Triskel head of programming, feels Lynch’s loss on a personal level.

“Anyone I know who is interested in cinema was devastated by David Lynch’s death earlier this year,” he said.

“For a generation of film fans, he was the gateway to the weird and wonderful side of movies - myself included. Back in the 1990s, I vividly remember watching Blue Velvet and Wild At Heart at an impressionable age on VHS; there was nothing else like them.”

O’Neill is also a film-maker and says his work is subconsciously influenced by Lynch.

“Several people have said they can see Lynch as being an influence on my own work, such as my film A Woman Of The Darkest Deeds, which premiered at Cork International Film Festival last year - the thing is, I can totally see it, but I never intend to go for a Lynch vibe! His work has obviously seeped into my mind subconsciously.

“His films and television shows are so uniquely offbeat, sinister, and often darkly funny - if you have a strange sense of humour like me!”

It is hard to imagine contemporary cinema without Lynch’s influence, and O’Neill says it is important to recognise that.

“That’s why we’re hosting this season at Triskel Arts Centre - to celebrate his work and bring like-minded fans together, to allow them to experience the movies on the big screen.

“David Lynch really was one of the great directors of American cinema in the last 50 years, and he will be missed.”

The season opens with a 1999 film, The Straight Story, in which Lynch strips back his signature surrealism to present a tender and meditative journey inspired by a true story. Lynch delivers a quiet tale of an elderly man’s cross-country trip to reconcile with his estranged brother.

Desperate to reach his brother before it is too late, Alvin (Richard Farnsworth) sets out on his long journey travelling on a lawnmower because he can’t afford a car.

This gorgeous film explores themes of forgiveness and regret. It is one of Lynch’s more accessible films and a great starting point for people interested in his work.

Released in 1980, The Elephant Man is a haunting and profoundly human exploration of societal cruelty and compassion. Based on the true story of John Merrick, a disfigured man in 19th-century London, it merges Lynch’s atmospheric direction with a powerful performance by John Hurt.

Shot in striking black and white, it unfolds as both a heartbreaking tragedy and a poignant meditation on dignity, identity, and the resilience of the human spirit. It was nominated for eight Oscars.

Eraserhead, from 1977, is a disturbing, journey into the surreal. Set against a bizarre industrial landscape, the film follows Henry Spencer (Jack Nance) as he struggles with fatherhood, fear, and alienation. Through unsettling imagery, grotesque sounds, and surreal visuals, Lynch creates a uniquely haunting vision of existential dread.

Eraserhead defies traditional narrative structure, drawing viewers into a visceral experience that challenges the boundaries of horror, surrealism, and psychological terror.

Blue Velvet is a masterclass in psychological suspense. It peels back the facade of suburban tranquillity to reveal a world filled with dark obsession and corruption. Through the eyes of the protagonist, Jeffrey Beaumont, Lynch immerses viewers in an underworld of voyeurism, violence, and desire.

With iconic performances from Kyle MacLachlan and Isabella Rossellini, the film blends beauty and brutality, challenging perceptions of morality and human nature in a haunting and unforgettable cinematic experience. Many regard it as the defining film of 1980s America.

Lost Highway is a disorienting, mind-bending exploration of identity, guilt, and the subconscious. The film weaves together two disconnected lives, blurring the lines between reality and illusion.

With its haunting imagery, cryptic narrative, and hypnotic soundtrack, Lynch crafts an unsettling meditation on the human psyche. Bill Pullman and Patricia Arquette deliver enigmatic performances, while Lynch’s signature surrealism creates a nightmarish atmosphere that leaves viewers questioning the nature of time and self.

Wild At Heart is a feverishly passionate, unruly road movie that combines romance, violence, and surreal humour. Nicolas Cage and Laura Dern deliver captivating performances as Sailor and Lula, a couple on the run from a chaotic, dangerous world.

With its blend of dark comedy and Southern Gothic sensibilities, the film revels in lurid excess while exploring themes of freedom, love, and the American dream. It is a wild, vibrant odyssey into Lynch’s twisted vision of reality.

From The Mind Of David Lynch begins on March 16, see www.triskelartscentre.ie