Magnolia (1999) Turns 18 Years Old Today!

Eighteen years ago today, December 08, 1999, director Paul Thomas Anderson's third feature film was released in theaters to an unprepared and completely unsuspecting public. It is fair to say that most audiences were unprepared for this modern-day, emotionally raw film opera. It is a completely unique film experience unlike anything else made before or since that fateful month at near the close of the twentieth century.

Twin Peaks & Lynchian Holiday Gift Guide!

It is that time of year again to celebrate the holiday season and to give your special loved ones a token of your esteem and appreciation in the form of gifts and presents. And thanks to Mark Frost and David Lynch's revival this year of Twin Peaks: The Return (2017), now we can find more Twin Peaks-themed and Lynchian related merchandise than ever before. So I created this page to help you navigate the very best of these Agent Cooper thumbs up-worthy Lynchian goodies this year and provide you with a convenient one-stop shopping destination to purchase them.

Kenneth Branagh Auditioned for David Lynch's DUNE

Kenneth Branagh is one of the best actors of his generation, so it is refreshing to hear in his latest interview that he too faced his fair share of rejection along the way to success. Notably, Mr. Branagh was recently questioned on his use of David Lynch's film adaptation of Dune (1984) while directing his own science fiction space epic Thor (2011). He reflected on his own audition for Paul Atreides with David Lynch in a fascinating anecdote below.

Mark Frost Interview on Twin Peaks Unwrapped Podcast

Mark Frost is making the press and podcast circuit to help spread the word about his latest Twin Peaks tie-in novel: The Final Dossier! In the clip below, listen to the entirety of his interview with the Twin Peaks Unwrapped podcast. They discuss all sorts of great tidbits about the Original Series, The Return, and his connected novels The Secret History of Twin Peaks and The Final Dossier!

Twin Peaks Finale Partly Explained by Mark Frost

To say we were left with a few questions at the end of the finale of Twin Peaks: The Return (2017) would be grossly underestimating the situation. David Lynch and Mark Frost pieced together something nuanced, complex, and purposely perplexing to mull over. And although he is not providing all the answers, Mark Frost is taking the opportunity to shine some light on Agent Cooper's final quest to save Laura Palmer.

Preliminary Report on Mark Frost's The Final Dossier!

Mark Frost's new novel Twin Peaks: The Final Dossier (2017) was finally released today, so the final decompression can finally begin. Peakers worldwide are now meticulously combing it and its prequel novel The Secret History of Twin Peaks (2017) for hints and clues about what the hell is going on in Twin Peaks: The Return (2017). Luckily, Mark Frost's provides several important insights, helping to all but confirm the most prominent fan theory for Audrey Horne.

Steve Martin vs Stanley Kubrick Chess Match

Earlier this Summer, Charlie Rose interviewed Steve Martin on a number of topics, but of particular interest to Rose was an anecdote of the typically reclusive director, Stanley Kubrick. The year was 1980 and Steve Martin was a standup comic-turned actor starting to receive a lot of attention for his film work, The Jerk (1979) having just been released in cinemas worldwide. Kubrick invited Martin to an unforgettable time at the famed director's English estate.

Preorder Twin Peaks: Season 3 (2017) Blu-Ray w/ 6 Hours of Bonus Content

We are happy to share the new Blu-Ray/DVD release of Twin Peaks: The Return (2017) has just been officially announced and is now ready to be preordered ahead of its release on December 05, 2017. The Blu-Ray disc set will contain 6 hours of bonus content, 80 minutes of which is exclusive to the Blu-Ray release. Read more about the release and watch a clip from its bonus content below.

Preview Audio Excerpt of Mark Frost's Twin Peaks: The Final Dossier (2017)

Mark Frost's novel Twin Peaks: The Final Dossier (2017) is the highly anticipated follow-up to his and David Lynch's TV revival Twin Peaks: The Return (2017) and his previously published novel which acted as a prologue for the revived series: The Secret History of Twin Peaks (2017). Although we do not know how many answers to expect, a recently released excerpt from the Audiobook below reveals the death of an integral character from Seasons 1 & 2 that was simply ignored completely in the recent third season.

The Secret Diary of Laura Palmer (1990) Audiobook & Paperback

At the height of Twin Peaks' popularity, at the end of its first season, series creators Mark Frost and David Lynch commissioned Lynch's daughter Jennifer to write a media tie-in novel The Secret Diary of Laura Palmer (1990). But unlike many other media tie-in novels, this book received special attention from popular culture as Twin Peaks fever spread across the nation, and the most asked question by TV viewers was, "Who killed Laura Palmer?"

Twin Peaks Multimedia Homage: Virgin Soil (2017)

Drawing inspiration from a recent performance of Xiu Xiu in a coast-side military chapel, young filmmaker John Clayton Lee partnered up with photographer Ekaterina Ozhiganova to create a joint multimedia project titled: Virgin Soil (2017).

Barry Lyndon (1975) Criterion Blu-Ray Release Today

Barry Lyndon (1975) might be the most argued about film in Stanley Kubrick's oeuvre. Some otherwise battle-tested and devoted Kubrick aficianados call it his worst film. Others, myself included, list it as his greatest masterpiece: the sum of Kubrick's extensive wisdom distilled into one, brutally powerful film experience.

Roy Dotrice (1923-2017) Passes Away RIP

Beloved British character actor Roy Dotrice passed away yesterday, October 16, 2017. He had numerous supporting roles in film and television, with 120 listed acting credits on the IMDb. Having been born shortly after World War I ended in 1923, Roy and his family were displaced by the Germans in War War II, prompting him to lie about his age and join the British Royal Air Force as a precocious lad of just 16 years.

Visit the Double RR Diner in Los Angeles for One Week!

Lynchites in the Los Angeles area are doubly lucky this week, as a slice of David Lynch heaven lands down just after his Festival of Disruption ends this weekend. You will be able to get your next Lynch fix at Norma's exquisite Double RR Diner, which thanks to a swirling portal connecting Twin Peaks to Melrose will be temporarily available from October 16-22, 2017. Read below for full details!

Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross Cover John Carpenter's Halloween (1978) Theme

Sometimes the great composers of our time just want to have fun and make a cover of a classic theme song. In the clip below, listen to Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross's reinterpretation of John Carpenter's Halloween (1978) Theme song. And compare it to the original track originally penned by Carpenter himself while he was first editing his horror classic, in the clip even further below.

Stranger Things (2016-Present) All Season 2 Promos & Clips

The perfect storm of character, story, cast, writing, and direction came together last year in the first season of Stranger Things, and the next leg of the story looks surprisingly just as good. Stranger Things 2, a.k.a. Season 2, will be dropped en masse on Netflix two weeks from today, October 27, 2017. Watch all the promotional material for new season in the video clips below!

Marilyn Manson Discusses David Lynch Collaborations with Marc Maron

Stand-up comic and podcaster extraordinaire interviews alternative rockstar Marilyn Manson, who has been recently promoting his new album Heaven Upside Down (2017). Manson opens up about his life, father, career, and shares several interesting anecdotes about working with David Lynch, Trent Reznor, and meeting the iconic David Bowie. Listen to the full WTF Podcast with Marilyn Manson in the clip below.

Fincher Directed Mindhunter (2017-Present) Season 1 Released Today on Netflix

Although Netflix's latest original drama Mindhunter (2017) was created by Joe Penhall, his collaborator and fellow producer David Fincher looms large over the production and directed four of the first ten episodes himself. Mindhunter is the perfect opportunity for Fincher to flex his directorial muscles and lend this true-life FBI story but with far more breathing room and opportunities

KCRW David Lynch Interview

Early yesterday, Oct. 11, Jason Bentley on KCRW Radio interviewed the venerated director David Lynch for a fascinating 40 minute interview to help promote the Festival of Disruption 2, which plays over this upcoming weekend in Los Angeles. You can listen to the entirety of the interview, including originally unaired segments, in the embedded audio player below.

The Man in the High Castle (2015-Present) Season 3 Sneak Peek

Philip K. Dick's premise for the original book that Amazon's The Man in the High Castle (2015-Present) is adapted from, may seem simple enough to the naked eye, "What would the world be like today (in the 1960's) if the Nazis had won World War 2?" But is fascinatingly complex when applied to the practical day-to-day life of the typical American. What is it like to live under a fascist-socialist-racist government where all human beings do not have inalienable rights any longer?

Trailer for The X-Files Season 11

When The X-Files (1993-2002, 2016-2018) first aired, it was hot on the heels of David Lynch and Mark Frost's Twin Peaks (1990-91), where the FBI investigating the paranormal first began permeating the zeitgeist. And honestly, it was a great premise that needed to be explored and The X-Files frequently lived up to the premise and provided an invaluable gateway science fiction show for an entire generation of TV viewers.

Trailer for Castle Rock (2017-Present) Based on the Work of Stephen King

About three years ago, I said to my family at a gathering that if Hollywood was going to become obsessed with creating a bunch of new cinematic universes in the wake of the success of Marvel's The Avengers (2012), then why not make an interconnected story universe for Stephen King's Castle Rock centered novels, novellas, and short stories? Luckily, someone else was having the same idea and J.J. Abrams is helping produce the series for Hulu.

Sneak Peek Clip & Trailer for Mr. Robot (2015-Present) Season 3!

The first season of Sam Esmail's Mr. Robot (2015-Present) stunned the world with its scope, and is one of the few TV programs to earn a Best Drama Emmy in its first year! The second season treaded water a little in comparison, but now Mr. Robot is back with a bang in its third season beginning tomorrow night, October 11, 2017. Watch the sneak peek and trailer Season 3 below!

Trailer for Electric Dreams (2017-Present) Based on the Work of Phliip K. Dick

Phillip K. Dick is a game changing science fiction author who was way ahead of his time. Ever since his untimely death in 1982, Hollywood was been trying to catch up with Phillip K. Dick's dark, yet remarkably human works of science fiction literature. Hot on the heels of their ongoing, successful adaptation of Dick's The Man in the High Castle (2015-Present), Amazon Studios has developed  and acquired a brand new anthology series based on Dick's short stories that have yet to be adapted to screen.

Book Delays, But Getting Back on Track

I appreciate everyone who has pre-ordered and ordered early Volumes I - IV of 40 Years of David Lynch. Thanks for your support and patience as I have been getting the books edited into proper order. I promise, I am busy at work to get all the Volumes ready with the revised releases by the time the Holiday season rolls along.

Kyle MacLachlan on Conan

Beloved Special Agent Dale Cooper's real-world alter ego Kyle MacLachlan was interviewed this week by Conan O'Brien on the TBS Talk Show Conan and the result is a charming, fun, and touching conversation that is as interesting as it is hilarious. And check out the first time Kyle and Conan shared the small screen together in their unforgettable SNL sketch from 1990 in the clip below!

Lucky (2017) with David Lynch in Supporting Role Released Today

The last remarkable leading role by a true Hollywood legend, Lucky (2017) arrives in theaters today in the U.S. September 29, 2017. The film follows the titular Lucky on a journey of accepting his impending death near the end of his life, while exploring and ruminating what (if anything) life and death means to him. Made all the more poignant by the star's recent death, watch IMDb's "No Small Parts" video essay commemorating Harry Dean Stanton's standout posthumous performance.

More Love for Eraserhead (1977)

Because one day is not enough to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of David Lynch's remarkable Freshmen achievement, today we explore more of its remarkable impact as a cultural artifact. This is Part 2 of yesterday's article, "Happy 40th Anniversary Eraserhead (1977)!" A feature length directorial debut of a film student, Eraserhead is one of those rare cult films that decompresses directly in the subconscious like a film-equivalent of a zip file.

Happy 40th Anniversary Eraserhead (1977)!

Happy 40th Anniversary of Eraserhead's World Premiere in New York on September 28, 1977! This was the first major public screening of the film in its final theatrical cut form, where it began its polarizing life as a nightmarish work of celebrated, decried, and debated expressionistic art. And 40 years later, it still packs as much punch per frame as ever!

Preorder 40 Years of David Lynch - Volume IV: Twin Peaks: The Return (2017)

We arrive at the possible conclusion of the 40 Years of David Lynch series with Volume IV: Twin Peaks: The Return! Will David Lynch make more films and TV shows after this? As of today, He has officially declared himself as undecided. But dive deep into the master artist's latest creation with filmmaker Michael Adam Warren as your guide through nuclear blasts, charred lumberjacks, tulpas, doppelgangers, alternate dimensions, time travel, Kafka, and blue roses. And we are definitely going to talk about Judy. Preorder your copy before its release on October 10, 2017!

Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-94) 30th Anniversary

Wishing the best for the cast and crew of Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-94), who celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the premiere of their two-part pilot episode "Encounter at Farpoint." First airing on September 26, 1987 in the UK and perhaps a few other markets (September 28, 1987 in most parts of the US), Next Gen helped pave the way for a whole new epoch of science fiction and fantasy programming.

What is Cinema? By David Lynch

Italian Giorgi Getiashili released a beautiful snippet on YouTube of David Lynch discussing the nearly magical nature of cinema and how to best experience the illusion. David Lynch has always been an advocate of developing a more sophisticated language in cinema capable of transporting audience members into complex and abstract worlds of artistic thought.

Kyle MacLachlan Guides Judi Dench and James Corden in the Red Room & More!

Not to be outdone by Late Night with Seth Meyers, last night James Corden made his own Red Room sketch on The Late Late Show and with Agent Cooper himself, the talented Kyle MacLachlan. The Dame Judi Dench joins in on the fun and surprisingly Kyle and her share amazing comedic chemistry. I hope they do a feature film together in the near future. The world needs more of this hilarity!

New Clip from "Lucky" Features David Lynch and Harry Dean Stanton

Magnolia Pictures released a new clip from the John Carroll Lynch directing debut Lucky (2017) about a week after star Harry Dean Stanton passed away from natural causes. You can find my article commemorating Harry Dean Stanton's prolific career in film by clicking here. With Lucky finally being given a wide release in the U.S.A. next week, this clip helps give the flavor of what looks to be a beautiful character study.

Swery's The Good Life (2017)

After his Lynchian tour de force Deadly Premonition (2010) and the intriguing D4: Dark Dreams Don't Die (2014), video game developer auteur SWERY is back in action with a new independent venture, the crowd-funded video game The Good Life (2017). He is still accepting backers for his latest project, which you can personally invest in here on Fig toward its $1.5 million goal up until the crowdfunding deadline on October 12, 2017.

Harry Dean Stanton R.I.P. (1926-2017)

The great actor Harry Dean Stanton joins the chorus of angels yesterday afternoon after passing away from natural causes on September 15, 2017 at age 91. Harry Dean was born on July 14, 1926 in Kentucky and grew up during the Great Depression when economic hardship was at its most difficult in the United States of America. His thin, bedraggled appearance feels born out of that era, providing a constant reminder of our nation's leanest years.

Sabrina the Teenage Witch Arriving in Riverdale?

Somehow, the unlikely mashup of Archie Comics and Twin Peaks (1990-91) resulted in one of the best new TV series to air this year: Riverdale (2017-Present). It is one of those rare CW Teen Dramas that completely surpasses all expectations and delivers the kind thrills, mystery, and chemistry that has been missing from television for far too long. And it looks like the most magical Riverdale resident is finally ready to make an appearance: Sabrina the Teenage Witch!

Twin Peaks: The Return Soundtrack Released Today!

Today we get to enjoy the release of the full official soundtrack for David Lynch and Mark Frost's Twin Peaks: The Return (2017). The release is split into two different releases, with the Roadhouse acts plus a few other treats of lyrical songs on the one album, and the instrumental score music on the other album. Both albums are being released on MP3 download, Audio CD, and Vinyl, so you are sure to find your perfect format.

A Dream Given Form: The Unofficial Guide to the Universe of Babylon 5

A book opening/signing with the authors of A Dream Given Form: The Unofficial Guide to the Universe of Babylon 5 is taking place this Saturday on September 09, 2017 at Shelby, North Carolina in the United States of America. Their comprehensive critical guide opens worldwide for purchase on September 19, 2017. Until then, it can be preordered or if you happen to live near Shelby, NC, you can pick up an early copy and get it signed by the authors.

Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992) 25th Anniversary

Six years ago, back during my original article series 35 Years of David Lynch, I wrote a review and write-up on Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992), in which I argued that Fire Walk with Me was due for a serious reevaluation by critics and that a positive step in that direction would be a Criterion Collection Release of the film. My dreams have come true and Criterion has announced such a release on Blu-Ray this October 17, 2017, featuring a newly forged 4K master film transfer supervised by David Lynch and number of retrospective featurettes and interviews.

Happy Birthday Alicia Witt!

Happy Birthday Alicia Witt! Some attentive viewers of The Walking Dead (2010-Present) might remember her as the memorable Savior Paula, whose interactions with Rick's group led Carol on a season-long attempt at pacifism to avoid fighting in the impending war with Negan.

Team Snow vs. White Walkers in Fan-Made Game of Thrones Trailer!

"We come from the land of the ice and snow, from the midnight sun where the hot springs blow...." A fitting description of Jon Snow and his relatives, the Starks of Winterfell from Led Zeppelin's Immigrant Song, which features prominently in a new Game of Thrones fan-made trailer by video editor Nick Growall.

Late Night Twin Peaks Parody!

Late Night with Seth Meyers has some fun pretending to make a talk show inside Twin Peak's famous Red Room, and it is surprisingly funny and engaging. I know this is a joke, but I want an actual talk show like this now. Along with the recent WWE parody, it looks like parodying David Lynch and Mark Frost's surreal masterpiece is all the fashion nowadays and we Peakers should revel in every glorious moment of it.

David Lynch: The Art Life (2016)

David Lynch: The Art Life (2016), originally Kickstarted with the working title, "Lynch 3," is a highly anticipated documentary years in the making. It demonstrates David Lynch's typical daily routine as a painter and is packed full of interesting anecdotes from his early life and development into the artist he is today. It is a worthwhile viewing experience for anyone deeply interested in David Lynch's work in films and television and would likely interest anyone who has ever seriously contemplated transitioning into a full-time, professional artist.

Frank Herbert Interview on Dune's Origins

Frank Herbert is a fascinating man who lived a full and interesting life, so whether you agree with his viewpoints or not, you can enjoy him explaining the origin for many of his ideas. If this rare interview with Frank Herbert teaches us nothing, it is that he was likely a lot of fun to talk to and debate with on a variety of challenging topics. And now that Dune is being brought to life again in a new screen adaptation, it is worth taking a look at those ideas again.

Dr. Jacoby is a Dancing Magician

Sometimes us young whippersnappers forget that the old people of today use to be young yesterday, and a healthy number of them were remarkable in their prime. Well, the pop culture of the internet received a good-spirited jolt to remember one of the most remarkable performers in the world is still with us, the amazing Russ Tamblyn.

Fan Short Film: The Summer House at Pearl Lakes

An excellent fan-made short film by Thor Amli about Leland Palmer's summer up at Pearl Lakes as a little boy when he met BOB for the first time. "Do you want to play with fire, little boy?" It makes me wish The Return spent a little bit of time establishing some flashbacks to set up the conflict with BOB over the decades.

The Dark Tower (2017)

Stephen King's beloved novel series is brought to startling life with some remarkably great performances for a strangely fun, raw, and engaging film in The Dark Tower (2017). Although this film is getting savaged with negative reviews from critics, I cannot help but think they are looking beyond the mark here. This is a truly great Summer action blockbuster and a surprisingly emotional fantasy story wrapped up into a unique cinematic experience.

WWE Twin Peaks Parody!

If you thought the cultural impact of Twin Peaks is a thing of the past, then just tune in to the WWE to be proven wrong. Sometimes you just need to get silly and integrate Twin Peaks into your story any way possible, especially in pro wrestling. Be prepared to enter the Black Lodge with the WWE in this humorous parody.

Twin Peaks: The Return - Part 11

In the veritable slot machine of narrative TV, Twin Peaks: The Return just scored a massive jackpot with Part 11. Equal parts charged, funny, and bizarre, we explore more and more of the town of Twin Peaks this installment, which is welcome as it submerges us deeper into the familiar soap opera of broken hearts, revenge, and strange coincidences that beset the town. And the many locations we visit outside of Twin Peaks we slowly discover are not quite so different after all.