Eraserhead

A surreal and darkly humorous vision, David Lynchs Eraserhead (1977) has been recognised as a cult classic since its breakout success as a midnight movie in the late 1970s. Claire Henrys study of the film takes us into its netherworld, providing a detailed account of its production history, its exhibition and reception, and its elusive meanings. Using original archival research, she traces how Lynch took his nightmare of Philadelphia to the City of Dreams, infusing his LA-shot film with the industrial cityscapes and sounds of the Callowhill district. Henry then engages with Eraserheads irresistible inscrutability and advances a fresh interpretation, reframing auteurism to centre Lynchs creative processes as a visual artist and Transcendental Meditation practitioner. Finally, she outlines how Lynchs dream of dark and troubling things became a model midnight movie and later grew in reputation and influence across broader film culture. From the opening chapter on Eraserheads famous baby to the final chapter on the films tentacular influence, Henrys compelling and authoritative account offers illuminating new perspectives on the making and meaning of the film and its legacy. Through an in-depth analysis of the films rich mise en scne, cinematography, sound and its embeddedness in visual art and screen culture, Henry not only affirms the films significance as Lynchs first feature, but also advances a wider case for appreciating its status as a film classic.