Eraserhead

After finishing art school as a painter, David Lynch (may he Rest in Peace) made a few experimental short films based on his paintings. Then, he got a scholarship at the American Film Institute. Once he tweaked his short movie, “Gardenback” for feedback, he added more elements based on his other paintings and dreams he experienced. His project was expanded to a full-length film retitled, “Eraserhead.”

Eraserhead officially premiered at now defunct film festival Filmex in 1977. (same year Judge Dredd made his comic book debut) It received praise from critics and recouped its low budget. Nowadays, Eraserhead continues as cult classic for movie buffs. Anyway, I’m watching Horror movies during October Month. Meaning I’ll post articles throughout the month of October. Which ones should I cover next? Please leave a comment.

Today’s review contains SPOILERS.

Stable & Unstable Elements

Stable: David’s late collaborator, Jack Nance did a solid job for his performance.

Scare Factor heavily relies on surreal atmosphere.

Practical Effects were heavily involved building an alien like baby, a puffy girl and Set Pieces.

Fun Facts

The Criterion Collection digitally restored Eraserhead on DVD/Blu-Ray as spine number 725.
Shōta Aizawa (from My Hero Academia) has a codename named after the film.
In 2004, Eraserhead was selected in the National Film Registry for preservation by the Library of Congress.
Stanley Kubrick & Darren Aronofsky mentioned Eraserhead as one of their favorite films.
I think Eraserhead inspired Hideo Kojima to make “Death Stranding.” Given its surreal atmosphere. He’s also a movie buff. Mr. Kojima went to the Criterion Closet picking up flicks he desires.

Cinematography captures surreal imagery reflecting David’s vision.

Opening Scene establishes a weird tone. At first, I went with an open mind. The rest of the film declines.

Unstable: I’m probably going to Mephisto’s realm for this, David Lynch didn’t do so well directing his first film.

Characters are forgettable outside Henry.

Pacing’s a slow burn. The rest of the film is boring as heck. I’d rather watch all 37 episodes of “Death Note.”

No cohesive narrative. Lacks a beginning, middle and end.

Random Moments like cutting fried chicken while bleeding and a machine that uses Henry’s decapitated head to make pencils. I know it’s supposed to be surreal, but they don’t feel connected to the plot whatsoever. As if my brains cells died from illogical nonsense.

The film abruptly ends with Henry hugging the deformed puffy woman lacking further explanation. Doesn’t make logical sense. To quote Krusty the Clown, “What the hell was that?!”

The Final Verdict: D, FOR DINGBAT!

I can’t believe I’m saying this, David Lynch’s directorial debut isn’t a masterpiece most people claim. I’m baffled The Criterion Collection selected Eraserhead instead of something legitimately good like “Requiem for a Dream” or “Memento.” Criterion selected unscary lackluster Horror like “The Most Dangerous Game” “The Night of the Hunter” & “Onibaba.” All three of ‘em were miserably boring.

I prefer 1990s to modern Horror featuring a cohesive storyline, well-written characters and legit stakes. If you wanna watch a legit Horror film, check out “The Substance.”