47. Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me

When Fire Walk with Me screened at the Cannes film festival, its reception was a roomful of boos. Critics said it didn’t make sense, a comment often heard about a David Lynch film, and audiences didn’t respond with much more enthusiasm. Despite that reception ten years ago, it still remains one of Lynch’s most effective and artistic creations. Lacking the humor and subtlety that many loved in the television series – myself included -- Lynch opts for dark, violent, surreal tone of his most accomplished films and takes us into the underworld where Laura Palmer spent her final few days. 

Functioning as both a prequel to the series and a film that stands on its own, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me is the work of a master in top form. The cinematography, drowned in tones of blue and red, and the complex sound scheme help create a world of conflict where hatred is love and violence is pleasure. Like his masterpieces Blue Velvet and Mulholland Dr., Fire Walk with Me is not for the weak of heart, but those who give it a chance will be rewarded with a surreal experience that could only come from the mind of David Lynch. (Derek Smith)