Hmm, I never quite figured out how to feel. Sometimes I was a bit bored and other times I really enjoyed it. LOVED Grace Zabriskie. I only just watched it a few weeks ago and haven´t read any interpretations yet, but LWAPOM, tell me why you think it´s so important?

Honestly, my first reaction was that this is a film that Lynch has made before. Same plots. Like a mix of Mulhulland Dr and Lost Highway. I´d like to hear what you mean about "most important" because I don´t see it yet. 

I know I know I should check out the other threads, but since you just wrote it here, please enlighten me

Ditte 

I think Inland Empire is tremendously important for a number of reasons. First of all, technical reasons. This is the first film that I'm aware of that has really utilized digital technology for all it's worth, and created a whole look feel and mood, that could not possibly be expressed with film. The film has a very unique style of visual beauty, which could not exist without this visual technology.

Secondly, the narrative style. Lynch has attempted this sort of visual stream of consciousness narrative in Lost Highway and Mulholland Dr., but in my opinion had never really achieved what he was trying to do until this film. The film is far from totally abstract, yet it tells a story that takes place almost entirely in someone's mind. This is the only film I know have that has effectively dived into the subconscious, without simplifying it, as Wizard of Oz, or Mulholland Dr. do with the dream explanation, or as The Cell does by explaining it with sci-fi technology, and framing the journey within a traditional narrative. Instead IE is a film that tells a narrative which almost entirely takes place in someone's mind, that doesn't just function like a dual narrative, or a series of abstract images. It is by far the most innovatively structured of all Lynch films. Though nearly all his films are about the nature of the mind in some way, but this film goes the farthest and seems the most natural, and least forced in this aspect. Finally he's made a film that just flows naturally, like a stream of thoughts. I'm almost certain that in 20 years this will be considered the quintessential Lynch film.

Lastly, though there are many films with "movies within movies", has any film ever so effectively blurred the line between acting reality? This is the only film I know of that really puts you in film actors heads and lets you know what they're going through...

That's the best I can explain it, there are many more reasons, but these are the basics. Hope you got something out of it.

That god damn trailer's more popular than Uncle's Day in a whorehouse!

Are you serious with the pausing and rewinding thing? You really think it's better to see it first that way and only after that on the big screen?

I believe MTTH is a nice piece but I'm not that anxious to see it. The movie has to stand on it's own. And it does.

Bleep you, & bleep the establishment, and bleep all of you who are trying to make me part of the unestablished establishment.

That's funny. I don't remember posting my previous post into this thread but to some else.

On-topic: "This is the best movie I've seen for a long time." And maybe: "I have to see this while being st***d some time."

By the time the all-singing, all-dancing whore chorus line (whorus line?) popped out, I was thinking "He finally did it. Lynch made his 8 1/2. A shame I didn't care for 8 1/2, either."

But my most recurrent comment was, "Hoo... awkward." And I was watching it alone.

Logic Hat Online- logichat.org

jlyon do you still think 'this is horrible' about the film? I am surprised to read such a comment from a Lync h/Twin Peaks fan. I imagine you are predominantly a Peaks fan?

My thoughts on first viewing were more feelings, along the lines of 'I am a bit unnerved, this is scary ...' I have to admit I was also thinking that the film was long. I don't think I was in the right mindset that time.

Like many of you, I saw this film expecting it to make no sense.  That cushioned the blow a bit.  I really need to watch it again to get a stronger feel for it.  It's the only Lynch movie I have yet to return to after the initial viewing.  Even though I do own it and have for awhile.  We shall see, perhaps.

"No concept exists that is odd enough or empowering enough that I should need to find it in this film by watching it again."

"Is it still on?!" 

"SHIT THAT'S A HORRIBLE FACE!"

It was like one of those YOUTUBE joke clips where you sit around for sixty seconds waiting for the ghost and then a scary face jumps up....but three hours long instead of sixty seconds.

The point of the film seems to be: Who died? Who killed them? When did it happen?

Geoff - I am glad you share my view on camps for people who didn't warm to INLAND EMPIRE. That was exactly what I was saying. Cheers bud. All I can say though is that if you were a fan of Twin Peaks there's got to be something of interest in INLAND EMPIRE. It's not a beauty of a film like I would really want from Lynch, or Twin Peaky enough for my liking, but its along those lines...maybe its a transition film to something REALLY good. I hope he does that thing in the future, or next. I'm optimistic that Lynch can do something as great as the greatest moments of Twin Peaks again.

Albie, you sound like a bit of a cynic. I think you need to appreciate this film without such an air of 'seen it all before' to be honest.

I think you are riding my ass considering people on this very thread have said similar things.

Actually, looking through the thread you are being equally ass ridery with others. I think you should take your " i'm a film student" beret off, stop drinking Lynch's coffee and let people have their opinions without making assumptions and insulting people.

And yes, I think the scene with the horrible face is just like a youtube "ghost" clip trick.

Does me saying that make you want to beat me?

I did enjoy some of the film. Like The Rabbits and the general feel of the film. But felt that the meaning of the film could never match the pretensiousness of it. And if it is another film that has no meaning and we have to make it up ourselves...then do we really need ANOTHER one? Is that his aim? To create a film that has more and more possible meanings? Why not just have random pictures and sounds and have done with it?

Albie, I'm not sure about the ass-riding bit, but anyway...I am only having a bit of a conversation with you and a laugh, I don't mean to upset.

I don't drink Lynch's coffee. I'd try some if it was available cheap, but it isn't and I'm sure its no better than other good quality coffee from Mexico or wherever its beans are from.

I wasn't so keen on the Rabbits myself, having seen the shorts from DL.com previously.

I liked the overall 'feel' too, certain parts and scenes. I wouldn't wish for a similarly plotless film from Lynch again, but I can't see that happening to quite the same degree.

Consider my ass unsaddled.

And we both know what his next film will be about. A bank robbing female judge in a basque and stockings.

Huh?

That is why I will be viewing it for the second time on this lovely evening.

"Harry, I'm going to let you in on a little secret. Every day, once a day, give yourself a present. Don't plan it, don't wait for it, just let it happen. Could be a new shirt at the men's store, a catnap in your office chair, or two cups of good, hot, black coffee. Like this."  -Dale Cooper