David Lynch Classic: Analysis of “Mulholland Drive”
It is not easy to understand the film that won David Lynch the best director award at the Cannes Film Festival. In general, it describes the conflict between the reality and the fantasy of the Diane character. We have prepared an analysis article for you based on the clues given by the director to the audience.
The Meanings Of Colors
We see that David Lynch frequently uses the colors red and blue in his films. In Mulholland Drive, red is often associated with fantasy, while blue represents reality. The fact that Diane sleeps on a bed with red linen at the beginning of the movie and uses the color blue in the rest of the movie supports this. After this first scene, we witness Diane's dream and see herself as a successful actress named Betty who can do whatever she wants. In her dream, she creates Rita, an addicted, loyal and cowardly woman who cannot remember her past, and falls in love with her. In the real world, Rita aka Camilla is a shining star. The person who gets the role Diane wants to take is actually Camilla herself.
Id, Ego And Superego
In the movie, we see Diane's character constantly clashing with herself. We witness that Diane's ego is stuck between the id and superego, she makes mistakes and is in search of a new world for herself because of these mistakes. Dreams and blue box are what help Diane in her search for the new world.
Incompetent Murderer
Diane fears that the assassin will mess it up when he kills Camilla. This is Diane's subconscious fear. Diane asks what the blue switch turns on. From the assassin's laugh, the blue key probably doesn't unlock anything in reality. So we understand that the assassin was able to do his job and Camilla was dead.
Creature In The Movie
When we encounter this creature for the second time, we see that he has the blue box. All dark feelings and thoughts have occurred, the dark plan has been implemented, and the truth has emerged. Out of the paper bag containing the blue box, jumps out the old couple representing the hopes, expectations, and positive thoughts Diane had when she came to Hollywood.
Everything Is An Illusion
Just after Rita and Betty declare their love for each other, they go to Club Silencio together. The man at the club says it's all an illusion and a dream, and Betty begins to tremble. Betty's attitude shows that she doesn't want to face the facts.
