Watch Lost Highway

Lost Highway is a mind-bending film from the legendary filmmaker David Lynch, released in 1997. Set in LA, the movie features Bill Pullman as Fred Madison, a saxophonist who is married to Renee (Patricia Arquette). Fred begins to receive mysterious videotapes at his doorstep, which depict the seemingly never-ending surveillance of his house. As the story develops, the line between reality and illusion becomes increasingly blurred, and the viewers are left to question whether what they're seeing is real or a figment of someone's imagination.

The film begins by showing us the dysfunctional relationship between Fred and Renee. Though they're both successful and seemingly content, the couple is disconnected and barely able to communicate with one another. When Fred starts receiving the videotapes, the tension between the two escalates, and we see them both grappling with paranoia and fear. This tension becomes the driving force behind the narrative, as the film gradually becomes more and more surreal.

As the story unfolds, the central character shifts from Fred to a mysterious figure known only as "Pete Dayton" (also played by Bill Pullman). Pete's story begins when he is released from prison, and he starts working as a mechanic. When he encounters Renee, who now goes by a new name and looks different, he becomes entranced, and the two begin a relationship that spirals out of control. As the two storylines merge, the viewers are left to decide whether Pete and Fred are the same person or whether they're separate individuals entirely.

Throughout the film, Lynch employs his trademark surrealist style. The narrative is fragmented, and the sequence of events is often unclear. The visuals are often distorted or manipulated, giving the impression that what we're seeing may not be real. The score, written by Angelo Badalamenti, is haunting and atmospheric, adding to the sense of unease that permeates the movie.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is how it plays with the idea of identity. As Pete's story unfolds, we begin to see how easily a person's identity can become malleable. Characters change their names, appearances, and even their entire personalities, leaving the audience to wonder who they are really seeing on screen. This theme of identity is explored further when the character of "Mr. Eddy" is introduced. Mr. Eddy is a violent gangster who closely resembles Renee's previous lover. This similarity causes the audience to question whether Mr. Eddy is the same person as Renee's former lover, or whether he's just a figment of someone's imagination.

As the film progresses, it becomes increasingly evident that the narrative is not meant to be taken at face value. Many of the events that occur are left unexplained, and motivations are often unclear. Instead, the film is meant to be interpreted, and viewers are encouraged to develop their own theories about what's going on. While this may be frustrating for some viewers, it's also what makes the film so compelling.

Lost Highway is a masterclass in surrealism and psychological horror. It's a film that's not afraid to leave its audience feeling uncertain and disoriented, and it's all the better for it. With stunning visuals, an eerie score, and a narrative that's almost impossible to pin down, Lost Highway is a movie that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.

Lost Highway is a 1997 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 15 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 53.