AUTEUR Flashcards
The Power and Importance of Dreams
What does the dialogue ‘I just came from Deep River, Ontario and now I’m in the dream place’ signify?
Abstract use of dialogue, experimental
This line highlights the transition between reality and dreams.
The Power and Importance of Dreams
What narrative state does the first two-thirds of Mulholland Drive arguably take place in?
An oneiric state
This refers to a dream-like state of consciousness.
The Power and Importance of Dreams
According to Freud, what are dreams key to understanding?
Our unconscious fears and desires
Freud emphasized the significance of dreams in psychoanalysis.
The Power and Importance of Dreams
What process did Freud describe that shapes fears and desires into dreams?
‘Dreamwork’
This term refers to the mental processes that transform latent content into manifest content in dreams.
The Power and Importance of Dreams
What techniques does Mulholland Drive use to provide insight into Diane’s psychological state?
Temporal collapses in time and space, shifting identities, and displaced objects
These techniques reflect the dream-like structure of the narrative.
The Power and Importance of Dreams
Which other works of Lynch utilize similar techniques as those found in Mulholland Drive?
Eraserhead, Inland Empire, and Twin Peaks The Return
These works also explore themes of dreams and psychological states.
The Power and Importance of Dreams
What is Hollywood commonly referred to as, which is relevant to Mulholland Drive?
The ‘Dream Factory’
This term reflects Hollywood’s role in creating idealized narratives.
The Power and Importance of Dreams
What does Mulholland Drive expose about the American Film industry?
The cruel lies at the heart of the American Film industry
The film critiques the illusions and harsh realities present in Hollywood.
The Dark Underbelly of Superfical Americana
What are some signifiers in the mise-en-scene of 50s Americana?
- Diners
- Coffee
- Jitterbug competitions
- Apartment decor
- Costume design
- Hair and makeup
- Songs
These elements contribute to the overall aesthetic and thematic representation of the era.
The Dark Underbelly of Superfical Americana
What is revealed about the elements of 50s Americana in the narrative?
They are ultimately revealed to be an illusion within a dream regarding their authenticity.
This suggests a critique of the idealized image of Americana.
The Dark Underbelly of Superfical Americana
How is Hollywood depicted in the first two thirds of the narrative?
As a literal ‘dream factory’ with a naive, hopeful small town girl destined for great things.
The character embodies the archetype of the aspiring actress in a glamorous yet deceptive environment.
The Dark Underbelly of Superfical Americana
What themes are explored in the final third of the narrative?
- Despair
- Betrayal
- Jealousy
- Failure
- Death
These themes contrast sharply with the earlier portrayal of Hollywood.
The Dark Underbelly of Superfical Americana
Which other works by Lynch explore similar themes to Mulholland Drive?
- Blue Velvet
- Twin Peaks
- Inland Empire
These works also delve into the darker aspects of Hollywood and Americana.
The Dark Underbelly of Superfical Americana
True or False: The narrative of Mulholland Drive presents a straightforward, optimistic view of Hollywood.
False
The narrative ultimately reveals a more complex and darker reality.
The Dark Underbelly of Superfical Americana
Fill in the blank: The final third of the narrative reveals the _______ of LA.
[real] underbelly
This refers to the contrasting themes of despair and betrayal in the story.
Duality
What is the concept of duality in the narrative?
Many characters have dual, shifting or transitional identities across the ‘dream’ and the ‘real’ parts of the narrative
This reflects the complexity of identity in the story.
Duality
Who is Diane’s dream alter-ego?
Betty
This alter-ego highlights the theme of duality within the character.
Duality
What does Diane’s dream alter-ego reveal about her character?
It shows her contrast with the vulnerability of Rita and the rejection of Adam by Hollywood
These elements illustrate the shifting identities and themes in the narrative.
Duality
How is the narrative structure described?
It is split into two
This split reflects the duality present in the characters’ identities.
Duality
What are some themes associated with duality in the narrative?
Dueling themes and ideas
This includes the concept of Binary Opposites.
Duality
With which philosophical tradition is duality associated?
Indian Vedanta
This philosophy explores the nature of consciousness and identity.
Duality
What does duality suggest about identity?
Identity is not a fixed state
This aligns with the meditation consciousness concepts explored by David Lynch.
Duality
What is the Bardo State?
The liminal space between death and re-birth
This concept is connected to the themes in Mulholland Drive.
What is a key feature of the experimental film form mentioned?
Gliding, untethered StediCam
The StediCam allows for fluid movement in film, contributing to the experimental nature.
What cinematic technique involves showing the same scene multiple times?
Double exposure
This technique creates a duality effect in film.
What type of performance does Lynch aim for in his films?
Heightened, uncanny performance
This performance style contrasts theatrical and classical Hollywood styles.
What is the contemporary space that Lynch’s films inhabit?
Liminal space
Liminal spaces evoke feelings of unease and transition.
What does the juxtaposition of Mise-en-scene and composition represent?
Duality and binary opposites
This contrast is a hallmark of Lynch’s filmmaking style.
What editing techniques are contrasted in Lynch’s films?
Continuity and fragmented editing techniques
This contrast affects narrative flow and viewer perception.
What is notably absent in Lynch’s films compared to traditional cinema?
Classical Film Language
This includes elements like establishing shots and diegetic sound.
What aspect of sound design is unique to Lynch’s films?
Abstract sound design
Lynch actively participates in the sound design of his films.
