A Brief Tribute to David Lynch

David Lynch has passed away at the age of 78. A unique, singular artist, Lynch's legacy is as vast and deep as the subconscious waters he said he fished his visionary ideas from.

A painter turned filmmaker, Lynch's work defied straightforward explanations and categorization. Many attempt to coin their own term, whereas Lynch's work demanded one be minted to describe his unique style: Lynchian, "of or pertaining to David Keith Lynch (born 1946), American filmmaker and director whose surrealist films are characterized by dream imagery and meticulous sound design."

As his fans mourn his death, even those for whom Lynch's work did not resonate acknowledge that the world is a lesser place for having lost such a passionate, unflinching artist as Lynch.

Lynch at the 42nd Emmy Awards. Credit: Alan Light.

It is the sign of a great artist when the world pauses to acknowledge their passing. As his fans revist his works over the coming weeks to honor his memory, there is solace to be had in knowing that others will be discovering Lynch’s films for the first time in the wake of his death.

Lynch's work remains a beacon for people with odd ideas and big imaginations. For every young or unsure creative, there comes a moment when they discover someone making the kind of things they dream of creating. It reassures them that their own impulses and artistic instincts aren’t as off the mark as they might have feared. As the outpouring of grief and sympathy demonstrates, Lynch was that artist for many — myself included.

Lynch is leaving behind an incredible body of work and a brilliant legacy. While he has passed from the physical world, his spirit will long endure — which may be just what Lynch would have wanted. Speaking to the BBC in a 2023 interview on the death of his longtime collaborator and friend, composer Angelo Badalamenti, Lynch said the following:

"You have to keep Angelo alive. I believe life is a continuum, and that no one really dies, they just drop their physical body and we'll all meet again, like the song says. It's sad but it's not devastating if you think like that. Otherwise I don't see how anybody could ever, once they see someone die, that they'd just disappear forever and that's what we're all bound to do. I'm sorry but it just doesn't make any sense, it's a continuum, and we're all going to be fine at the end of the story."

Godspeed, Mr. Lynch. I pray wherever you find yourself now that the coffee is fine, the pie sweet, and the paint never runs dry.