Photos by Sophia Carter
A look into three prominent actresses who worked side-by-side with surrealist director David Lynch
The recently departed David Lynch, best known for his surreal and dreamlike approach to filmmaking with standouts such as “Eraserhead” and “Mulholland Drive,” was known not only for his unique storytelling capabilities, but also for his respect and camaraderie with the women who represented him on screen.
A majority of Lynch’s films highlight the everyday struggles that women face and the strength they hold to overcome them. Throughout his filmography, there are three actresses who show up time and time again to dominate each film with their powerful portrayal of resilience and determination.
Sheryl Lee - Twin Peaks Series
After years spent studying the dramatic arts, Sheryl Lee found herself auditioning for her first television role as Laura Palmer in Lynch’s 1990s series “Twin Peaks.” Although Lynch had only planned on shooting a couple of scenes with Lee, her striking performance as the deceased Laura Palmer quickly became the most memorable image of the series, which lead Lynch to adding her as a permanent cast member.
Following Lee’s success in the series, Lynch went on to develop a prequel film titled “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me,” which focused on the life of Laura Palmer before her death. Lee’s astounding portrayal of a complex and courageous character is what made “Twin Peaks” one of the most well-known and cherished pieces of work that David Lynch has ever created.
Naomi Watts - “Mulholland Drive”
Lynch’s magnum opus of dreamlike filmmaking is the 2001 mystery/thriller “Mulholland Drive,” which served as the breakout film for Noami Watts. Watts plays Diane Selwyn, an aspiring actress who is experiencing extreme emotional turmoil caused by jealousy. The film provides commentary on the grueling nature of Hollywood and how repressed emotions can lead to severe consequences.
Watts is credited for her impressive ability to portray her character’s mental anguish, quickly differentiating between a mask of innocence and a stark display of hatred. Watts has said on multiple occasions that if it were not for Lynch and “Mulholland Drive,” she would never have continued as an actress.
Laura Dern - “Inland Empire”
Before starring in one of her most iconic roles as Ellie Sattler in “Jurassic Park,” Laura Dern became critically acclaimed for her performances in Lynch’s “Blue Velvet” and “Wild at Heart.” These two films laid the foundation for Dern and Lynch’s continued collaboration and lasting friendship. In later years, Dern was featured in the third season of “Twin Peaks.” Her most notable role in Lynch’s filmography came with the 2006 film “Inland Empire.”
In the film, Dern takes on the character of Nikki Grace, a devoted actress who becomes so enthralled with playing her part that the lines between fiction and reality become blurred. With the Criterion Channel calling her performance a “tour-de-force,” Dern gave a masterful showing of what she could do as the lead character.
Following Lynch’s death, Dern published a heartfelt letter in the Los Angeles Times as a final homage to her dear friend, ending it with a powerful message.
“Through you, I’ve learned what it means to be loved without judgment, just pure acceptance. You have forever transformed all of art, be it film or music or painting or cartoons or giving the weather report — all of it became a space for dreaming…I will miss and love you for the rest of my life,” Derm said.
