Haptic Space, Oneiric Theory and Surrealistic aspects in the cinema of David Lynch

Abstract

This thesis tries to demonstrate that Lynchian scenes could be explained and (better) understood through the use of three theoretical approaches: Haptic Space, Oneiric Theory and Surrealistic Aspects. Dreams and dreaming form a primary inspiration in the filmmaking of David Lynch and the two films (Lost Highway and Mulholland Dr.) that are analyzed in this thesis are shown to use the dream world to such an extent that certain surrealistic aspects as the “marvelous” and the ambiguity of an interior and exterior reality can be found. Next to that, the movement of the camera through these different dream worlds invites the audience to a haptic journey, to explore these confined spaces and to inhabit them.