Lost Highway
Lost Highway is a 1997 (see 1997 in film) film directed by David Lynch. It is arguably an example of contemporary film noir. Lynch also co-wrote the script together with Barry Gifford; the soundtrack is by Angelo Badalamenti. Throughout the film, Lynch is constantly trying to push the physical properties of celluloid to their limits, giving the film a unique look. Dealing with the fallibility of human memory, the film is to most a confusing but unforgettable experience. Infamously, the film received "two thumbs down" from Siskel and Ebert - though Lynch used this to his advantage by claiming it was "two good reasons to go and see Lost Highway".
Spoiler warning: Plot or ending details follow.
The film's makers have compared the structure of the film to a Möbius strip.
A little more helpful is David Lynch's comment in the screenplay that the story is about a murderer with multiple personalities, told from the different points of view of these personalities.
The plot of the film becomes less incomprehensible if much of it is seen as a
failed wish-fullfillment
dream by the protagonist in which he tries to suppress his memories of what he has done.
This is use of dreams, memories and flashbacks is very similar to Lynch's later Mulholland Drive (movie).
While much less surreal than Lynch films, Memento (movie) also deals with the fallibility of memory.
Notable cast:
Lost Highway is a 2003 BBC documentary series in 4 episodes on the history of country music.
