Eraserhead (1976)

I have noo idea what I just saw..


Eraserhead (1976)
Directed By: David Lynch (Lost Highway)



The Prologue
Is David Lynch a genius or insane? This is a question that could spark a debate that one could go on about for a very long time and still not have a real answer. Today we talk about his first film, the infamous Eraserhead. A film started in 1974 but wasn't completed til 1976. A film that still once completed made many feel as if something was missing because it doesn't really make a whole lot of sense, a bit of a trademark for Lynch that we've now come to expect over the years. There are zillions of theories about this film and what it truly means, I can safely say after seeing it now that I have no clue what it's about. And since Lynch isn't talking, what's a blogger to do??



The Movie
It's hard to say what time or place this film takes place due to the fact that things never really seem too clear. What we do know is our pal, Henry, is in a tough spot. He has a girlfriend with a very odd family, and apparently to spite the fact that he doesn't think enough time has went by to actually have had a child by his girlfriend, she seems to have given birth to..um..some thing?  Is this real or nightmare? Is that a baby or something more sinister? what the hell is everyone's deal in this movie anyway? I'm afraid by the time this wraps we still won't know, but like a car crash, you can't seem to turn away.

So how does one review a film that on the surface doesn't seem to make any sense at all? Well I'll confess it is a bit tricky, but to spite all the confusion and the lack of dialogue in the film to boot, one finds themselves somewhat indrawn by what is going on before them on the screen and your mind will be spinning trying to make sense of it all. So if nothing else I'd call Eraserhead a workout for the brain, one that may confuse you and make you a little angry to be so confused for the hour and twenty minutes this things runs, but I'll be damn if you won't still be thinking about it a few days later.


And just what does this thing mean anyway? We watch actors being all awkward and I assume it's how they are directed to act. One plus for a film like this is the fact that it's just soo weird that even if someone is a horrible actors, in a setting like this you'd more than likely be unable to even tell. David Lynch has stated before (in a rare statement about this film), that this is his most spiritual film he has ever made. So is this twisted tale a tale on religion? Marriage perhaps? Becoming a parent? Or perhaps it's all thee above in some twisted way. Sadly, we may never know, but don't listen to those who will tell you this film is unwatchable, because it's very very watchable. Odd? You bet. But watchable.

While I can't tell you what this movie is about, I can tell you that it's just got something to it that makes it a worthy watch. Be it the odd hair of Henry, or perhaps even his mutated "child". Which for those keeping score seems to be a huge influence for another odd film called, Combat Shock. Eraserhead is a film that while strange has and will probably always be very influential for other odd films that come and go throughout the years. But unlike many of those, Eraserhead, is still a very sought after film today. And it still has way more questions surrounding it than it has answers. So perhaps you should watch it and see for yourself if you can't come up with some answers.


The Conclusion
Well it won't make any sense to you, but if it does let me know. I think it won't be for everyone but this is still a fun watch even with it being as "out there" as it is. If you are a Lynch fan then odds are you probably already love this one but if you have yet to dive into the crazy pool that is David Lynch you might as well start here with this.


The Rating (7/10)