Strange and Fantastic Tales of the 20th Century is a look back at the weirdest, most memorable, and most off center movies of the 20th century. From head turning horror to oddball science fiction, this column examines the films that will leave a lasting impression for centuries to come.
David Lynch has passed away, but leaves behind a great legacy of work and imagination. Writer, director, actor, painter, musician; there was no art form he did not indulge in. He was a true Renaissance man. His work had the ability to reel in viewers and make them feel the depths of horror, confusion, and laughter all at once. Whether it was a short film like “The Alphabet” or an epic like Inland Empire, Lynch’s ability to draw in a viewer visually and emotionally is unsurpassed. For my return to discussing strange and fantastic tales, (for real this time) I’ve decided to discuss the master of the strange and fantastic. And since “this whole world is wild at heart and weird on top,” this week’s article is on Wild at Heart.
Wild at Heart is a tale of young love that takes the audience on a road trip from North Carolina through Texas on their way to California. Based on characters by Barry Gifford, Lynch gives us insight into the powder keg of passion that is the relationship between Sailor Ripley (Nicholas Cage) and Lula Fortune (Laura Dern). Through smoke filled bars that blast heavy metal music, to the cigarette haven of their motel rooms, the audience sees the love between Sailor and Lula.
During Wild at Heart viewers witness their wild sex, and with a poetic touch Lynch intercuts this with images of flames to capture the intensity of their union. Most importantly, the viewers watch, as they engage in clever dialogue that not only shows their connection, but shows how the couple’s bond goes beyond the physical. Their love affair is not ideal to Lulu’s mother, Marietta Fortune (Diane Ladd), who aims to keep them apart.
After Sailor spurned her advances, Marietta has put a hit out on Sailor, which puts the couple in the crosshairs of deranged criminals. As all of this happens, Lynch’s writing and directing bring together the hallmarks of what is known as Lynchian. Odd occurrences, darkness in beauty, the evil of humankind, nostalgia for a time long past, are all mingled with the hope that drives the film as the couple looks for their happy ending.
Sailor and Lula encounter Perdita Durango (Isabella Rossellini), Bobby Peru (Willem Dafoe), and various other strange characters that seek to corrupt the love affair. One of the most haunting scenes that fits the Lynchian vibe is when Sailor and Lula encounter a car wreck. They meet a young girl played by Sherilyn Fenn. The girl is unaware of her fatal injuries and she walks towards them seeking salvation before dying in front of them. The dreaminess intermingled with the tragedy of this beautiful stranger sets an ominous tone and Lula believes this is an omen of things to come.
Only you can see and feel Wild at Heart for yourself as it is a sensory experience. As all of David Lynch’s works, they are not meant to be dissected, they are meant to be experienced. Thanks David Lynch, for making us all laugh through tears and horrors. Turn up the Powermad and put on your snakeskin jacket and watch Wild at Heart.
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