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There’s a certain darkness that envelopes the works of the late David Lynch, who has influenced many in the creative arts. If you’re into current affairs and the news, you would have heard about his passing this morning. Yet, it is this darkness that makes his works all the more remarkable, surreal and a thrill to watch – no matter how many times you re-watch them.

Twin Peaks and Blue Velvet are the eye-opening works that were part of the required screenings I had the privilege to catch, as an undergraduate, more than a decade ago. Needless to say, both these creations impacted me in a way no words could describe. I even remember taking the chance to email a certain Mr. Dolan, based in the US, to ask him a few questions about the corresponding required reading (a journal article Mr. Dolan wrote) related to the Twin Peaks (1990-1991) TV series. Until today, I remain thrilled and thankful that he actually replied to my queries through my then student email address.

If you’ve yet to watch any of Lynch’s works, you can start with these two and get a feel and view of his writing, directing and strangely, also music. In fact, the 1964 song Blue Velvet, linked to Bobby Vinton became the motivating factor for the film to come into development and fruition.

Originally studying fine arts at a few schools, the American Film Institute Conservatory alumni also directed music videos associated with the industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails and songwriter Moby, amongst other artistes, as well as advertisements for several luxury fashion brands.

In 2017, the Twin Peaks TV series was revived, titled Twin Peaks: The Return, consisting of 18 episodes.

Inspired by more of European cinema and audio-visual works, Lynch’s other works include The Elephant Man and Dune.

In terms of acting, Lynch had a few guest roles around 2010-2013. Later, Lynch secured the role of the influential director John Ford in the semi-autobiographical The Fabelmans (2022), loosely based upon Steven Spielberg’s adolescence and early years as a filmmaker.

Despite his diagnosis of emphysema in 2024, Lynch remained in good spirits, with no plans to retire.

Lynch’s relocation from his current home along Sunset Boulevard due to the Los Angeles wildfires at present may have played a role in his passing, five days short of his 79th birthday.

Other than a multitude of works, Lynch leaves behind his two sons and a daughter, (as a result of multiple marriages) who have all followed in his footsteps to a certain capacity.