Opening Sequence Analysis

Question 1

1950s

Answer 1

Jitterbug and clothing, iconography synonymous with 50s.
Contrasts with experimental elements as ‘dark underbelly’

Question 2

Sound

Answer 2

Purposefully ambiguous whether music is diegetic or non-diegetic.
Cheering and static hum creates eery, overwhelming atmosphere. Also ambiguous as to diegetic or not.

Creates a lynchian atmosphere, outside of discernible narrative time and space

Question 3

Editing

Answer 3

Superimposition and layering of dancing footage-
Duality and dual identity.
Alongside being disorienting

Question 4

objet petit a - meaning

Answer 4

In his 1957 seminar “Les formations de l’inconscient” Jacques Lacan proposed that objet petit a is the unattainable object of desire, the core that drives human desire. “The missing piece” that fuels the unconscious quest for more

Question 5

Objet petit a - in scene

Answer 5

The dream-like imagery of the sequence suggests an exploration of the subconscious. Specifically the superimposition of an overexposed Betty/Diane, there is great importance inferred with this image that we can assume to be the Lacanian concept of objet petit a.

Question 6

Shadow imagery

Answer 6

The inclusion of a large silhouette behind the dancers could play upon the Jungian concept of the ‘shadow self’ that represents the repressed parts of a persons personality. Plays into Lynch’s theme of duality and the films theme of identity.