David Lynch, the director known for his work in American cinema’s ‘dark surrealistic’ style, has passed away. He was 78 years old. Lynch, famous for directing films like Blue Velvet, Twin Peaks, and Mulholland Drive, was confirmed dead by his family through a Facebook post.
The family shared one of Lynch’s famous quotes: “He is no longer with us, and it is a hole in this world. But he always said, ‘Don’t focus on the hole in the donut.’” According to Variety, Lynch had been battling emphysema since 2024, a condition largely caused by his heavy smoking. Due to breathing difficulties, he was advised to stay at home and was unable to leave for film production.
Lynch revolutionized dark surrealism, creating films that blur the line between dreams and reality. His works often present dreams as vivid as reality and vice versa. Lynch viewed the film as interconnected with painting, writing, and music, and his films reflect this unity. His films are known for their perfect blend of sound and experimentation. International media have praised his deep understanding and passion for art. Lynch was also an abstract painter and photographer, with his artistic vision showcased in Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive. He believed that film, music, painting, and writing were all interlinked.
Born in 1946 in Montana, Lynch grew up in several cities. After schooling, he studied at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, where he made his first animated film, Six Men Getting Sick. While studying at the American Film Institute, he made his first feature, Eraserhead, in 1977. That film caught the attention of filmmakers like Stanley Kubrick and John Waters. An Oscar-nominated director, Lynch also received the Governor’s Award.