Mulholland Drive

Question 1

Who is the director of the film?

Answer 1

David Lynch

Question 2

Name three other works by David Lynch.

Answer 2

Blue Velvet, Twin Peaks, Eraserhead

Question 3

What are the key stylistic elements of David Lynch’s films?

Answer 3

Surrealism, dream logic, non-linear narratives, unsettling imagery, juxtaposing innocence with darkness

Question 4

In what year was the film produced?

Answer 4

2001

Question 5

What is the context of the film’s production?

Answer 5

Post Y2K, early internet era, pre-9/11 Hollywood

Question 6

Who were the producers of the film?

Answer 6

Mary Sweeney, Alain Sarde, Neal Edelstein, Michael Polaire, Tony Krantz

Question 7

Which companies were involved in the film’s production?

Answer 7

Les Films Alain Sarde, Asymmetrical Productions, StudioCanal

Question 8

What was the budget for the film?

Answer 8

$15 million

Question 9

What was the worldwide box office gross of the film?

Answer 9

$20.1 million

Question 10

What countries were involved in the film’s production?

Answer 10

France (Studiocanal) and United States

Question 11

Who was the cinematographer for the film?

Answer 11

Peter Deming

Question 12

Who edited the film?

Answer 12

Mary Sweeney

Question 13

Who was the costume designer for the film?

Answer 13

Amy Stofsky

Question 14

Who did the sound design for the film?

Answer 14

David Lynch

Question 15

Who composed the music for the film?

Answer 15

Angelo Badalamenti

Question 16

Who wrote the screenplay for the film?

Answer 16

David Lynch

Question 17

What film format was used for filming?

Answer 17

35mm film

Question 18

How was the critical reception of the film initially viewed?

Answer 18

Divided but now considered a masterpiece

Question 19

What did Roger Ebert say about the film?

Answer 19

“An intriguing and maddening exploration of a Hollywood dream”

Question 20

What did Elvis Mitchell from the New York Times say about the film?

Answer 20

“May be the first surrealist film that doesn’t cheapen the trappings of the genre”

Question 21

What were the production issues faced by the film?

Answer 21

Originally conceived as ABC television pilot; network rejected it for being too dark and incomprehensible

Question 22

How did Lynch secure additional funding for the film?

Answer 22

From StudioCanal to transform it into a feature film

Question 23

What does the slow tracking shot following Betty and Rita entering the club create?

Answer 23

A dreamlike, hypnotic atmosphere

It emphasizes Betty’s descent into the subconscious and signals a transition to a deeper layer of the dream narrative.

Question 24

How does low-key lighting with heavy shadows function in the narrative?

Answer 24

Represents hidden truths and deception

It creates a noir aesthetic linking to Hollywood’s dark underbelly and enhances the mysterious, ominous mood.

Question 25

What does the blue color palette dominating the theater symbolize?

Answer 25

Dreams, mystery, and the subconscious ## Footnote It connects to the blue box and creates emotional distance and unreality.

Question 26

What effect does the abrupt sound design with amplified effects have on the audience?

Answer 26

Disorienting the audience, mirroring characters' confusion ## Footnote It emphasizes the artificiality of performance/reality and creates a jarring emotional impact.

Question 27

What do extreme close-ups on Betty's and Rita's faces reveal?

Answer 27

Emotional vulnerability and transformation ## Footnote It intensifies their psychological connection and highlights tears as a moment of emotional truth.

Question 28

What do Dutch angles during key moments visualize?

Answer 28

Psychological disorientation ## Footnote It suggests the fracturing of Betty's dream identity and creates visual unease matching emotional disturbance.

Question 29

What is the effect of slow motion during Rebekah Del Rio's performance?

Answer 29

Stretches emotional impact of the scene ## Footnote It emphasizes the hypnotic, dream-state quality and creates space for audience contemplation.

Question 30

What does theatrical spotlighting on stage symbolize?

Answer 30

Performance vs. reality theme ## Footnote It contrasts with the darkness of the audience and creates visual separation between worlds.

Question 31

What do jump cuts during the MC's monologue disrupt?

Answer 31

Temporal continuity ## Footnote It represents fragmentation of identity and creates a sense of unreliable reality.

Question 32

What does rack focus shifting between characters and stage visualize?

Answer 32

Shifting awareness and revelation ## Footnote It connects/disconnects characters from performance and emphasizes moments of realization.

Question 33

What is the purpose of reverse shots between stage and audience?

Answer 33

Creates tension between performance and reaction ## Footnote It establishes a power dynamic between illusion and viewer and builds anticipation for revelation.

Question 34

What does the sound bridge of 'Llorando' continuing as the singer collapses demonstrate?

Answer 34

Illusion vs. reality theme ## Footnote It represents the persistent nature of emotional truth and creates an uncanny, unsettling effect.

Question 35

MES: difference between Betty and Diane's home?

Answer 35

Sickly yellows, grimy browns and oppressive shadows Vs. Warm golden hues of the dream. Clutter Vs. Cleanliness Auterist signature: Lynch associates domestic spaces with decay.