David Lynch, the renowned American director known for the popular TV drama “Twin Peaks” and films such as “Eraserhead,” “Blue Velvet,” and “Wild at Heart,” has passed away at the age of 78.
His family announced on Lynch’s Facebook account on the 16th (local time), saying, “Our family feels deep sorrow as we announce the passing of artist and human being, David Lynch.”
While Lynch’s cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, he was diagnosed with emphysema, a chronic lung condition, last year due to long-term smoking and had difficulties leaving his home.
Lynch left a mark on film history with his experimental and surreal works. In Korea, he was known as the ‘godfather of cult films.’
Born in Montana in 1946 as the son of a Department of Agriculture researcher, he showed interest and talent in painting, studied art at institutions such as the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and started his film career by creating short animations.
In 1970, he moved to Los Angeles (LA) and enrolled in the American Film Institute (AFI) film school, where he formally studied film and produced his first feature-length film, “Eraserhead,” on a low budget. Featuring bizarre stories and visuals, this movie is considered a classic of the cult genre.
His 1980 film “The Elephant Man” was a huge success both critically and commercially.
The dreamlike film “Blue Velvet” (1986), which focused on sex and violence, showcased exceptional cinematography and, despite some criticisms, contributed to solidifying Lynch’s unique filmmaking style through bold and daring direction.
In 1990, he received the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival for his film “Wild at Heart.” This film also introduced then-unknown actor Nicolas Cage to the world stage.
Among Lynch’s works, the TV drama series “Twin Peaks” (1990-1991) is the most commercially successful. A mystery thriller revolving around a murder investigation, it was broadcast on terrestrial channels in Korea in 1993, gaining significant popularity.
Lynch also left behind notable films like “Lost Highway” (1997), “The Straight Story” (1999), and “Mulholland Drive” (2001). His last feature film was “Inland Empire” (2006).
In 2017, he made a directorial comeback with the sequel season “Twin Peaks: The Return,” set 25 years after the original.
Despite being internationally recognized, receiving the Best Director Award at Cannes for “Mulholland Drive,” Lynch never won an Oscar, being nominated four times for categories such as Best Picture and Best Director. He received an Honorary Award from the Oscars in 2020.