Lost Highway - Never meant to be understood

If you don't know, `Lost Highway' is the 1997 film by (Twin Peaks-famed) David Lynch - a writer/director known for his slightly obscure types of films. Calling Lost Highway `slightly obscure' is one of the biggest understatements of all time.

It's a puzzle and a mystery and maybe even a visual experience rather than a traditional narrative story. You could even liken (some of) it to an `art house' movie, if it wasn't for the fact that there definitely is a recognisable story in there... somewhere.

It's about a man who changes into another man when he's locked up in his prison cell. Why? Good question. Just don't expect any answers (or at least any concrete ones).

Lost Highway is visually stunning with magnificent direction and a haunting soundtrack. But is it understandable? No, not really. Yes, if you go to the lengths of looking up its `true meaning' on various internet message boards, you will see what's supposed to be happening. But, before you watch it, ask yourself whether you're willing to invest over two hours of your life in a film where you have to research it afterwards to truly understand it. So, although it CAN be understood, I seriously doubt there are many people who can (honestly) say that they `got it' the first time around.

I love it. I love all of David Lynch's work. However, I confess that I did have to look towards the internet to finally determine what it was all about.

It is certainly enjoyable, even though it's brutal, sadistic and violent. However, it - like all Lynch's work - is not for everyone. You have to be in the mood for something (more than) a little different. It's not just horror, it's mind-bending horror that may or may not even be horror in the first place. You think you're confused now... wait until you've travelled down the `lost highway' with Fred, Renee, Pete and Alice.

Special mention to Robert Blake for his portrayal of `the mystery man' - one of cinema's truly terrifyingly creepy characters.

9/10 almost as perfect as The Godfather