David Lynch: The Dreamer

Screenings at BFI IMAX
Screenings at BFI Southbank

‘I like to make films because I like to go into another world. I like to get lost in another world. And film to me is a magical medium that makes you dream... allows you to dream in the dark. It’s just a fantastic thing, to get lost inside the world of film.’
– David Lynch

Although he was a certified grandmaster of the surreal, and frequently characterised as a maker of challenging films, the true defining quality of David Lynch’s work, was its power to connect with audiences, often speaking to us deep within our souls. He crafted distinct dreamscapes for us; worlds that defy logic, but are charged with human emotion, moving us to both frightening and nostalgic places. He took us on magic journeys to examine and understand the darkness that lurks under shiny facades. He embraced a spectrum of creative outlets.

Leaving his mark in film, television, art, music and the internet, Lynch challenged our perceptions of what art could be, and whatever his medium, he was an artist of pure singular visions without compromise. We invite you to enter or re-enter these visions with us. Experience his great masterpieces like Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive on the big screen. Discover the innovative experiments of his short films. Nurture your own ideas and creativity through contextual events. We want you on the journey, as we thank the dreamer for his art and celebrate his legacy.

Kimberley Sheehan and Justin Johnson, season curators

With thanks to

Sabrina Sutherland and Lindsey Bowden

BFI IMAX screenings

Eraserhead

Parenthood is a real horror in David Lynch’s striking, utterly original and deeply unsettling feature debut.

Blue Velvet

Lynch’s twisted mystery masterpiece is an engrossing study of the contrast between the veneer of American life and its seedy underbelly.

Wild at Heart

David Lynch’s surreal ride channels a multitude of cinematic references as it follows a lovestruck couple on the run.

Lost Highway

Bill Pullman and Patricia Arquette star in an enigmatic story of murder and surveillance.

Mulholland Drive

David Lynch’s portrait of the dark underbelly of Hollywood, which now holds a place in the top ten of Sight and Sound’s critics’ poll of the greatest films ever made, is one of his finest films.

BFI Southbank programme

Events

25 and Under: An Introduction to David Lynch

An introduction to our celebration of David Lynch from the Season Programmer.

The Cinematic Visions of David Lynch

An introduction to the worlds of this singular filmmaker.

Philosophical Screens: Lost Highway

An exploration of the themes and mysteries of David Lynch’s surreal body-swap road movie.

David Lynch Quiz

Know your Log Lady from your carnival barker? Can you identify which film features In Dreams or Wicked Game? Then come and test your Lynch knowledge with our quiz.

David Lynch VJ Night

– Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, this event is now cancelled.

Twin Peaks Sip and Paint

Match your Red Room to your Rioja with this chance to drink and create an artwork inspired by Lynch’s famous series, all while mingling with fellow fans of one of film’s great surrealist minds.

David Lynch Sip and Paint

Let the surreal sensibilities of David Lynch inspire you with this creative, collaborative painting session. Armed with brushes – and maybe a glass of wine – you’ll end the night with your very own Lynchian artwork to take home.

BFI Southbank screenings