3 weeks ago
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If you don’t have $200,000 to throw down on unproduced scripts, the family of David Lynch has your back. In a response to a recent reddit post, the late auteur’s daughter, Jennifer Lynch, said they have a plan to release the script for the unrealized project Unrecorded Night.
Whereas the previously auctioned script for Ronnie Rocket: The Absurd Mystery of the Strange Forces of Existence dates way back to the ’70s, Unrecorded Night is fairly new. Lynch actually pitched a 13-episode series to Netflix, with plans for it to star Laura Dern, Naomi Watts, and Toby Jones. However, project was scuttled due to production shutdowns stemming from COVID-19, as well Lynch’s own health issues.
So, just what was Unrecorded Night actually going to be about? Despite the script not yet being available, World of Reel cites interview with Peter Deming (another frequent collaborator and DP on Lynch’s films) saying it would’ve been part of the “LA canon” of films like Mulholland Drive and Inland Empire. It would have ultimately been an “original mystery blending filmmaking and Old Hollywood, likely intended as a sprawling, multi-episode narrative much like Twin Peaks: The Return.”
As to why the Lynch family have opted to share Unrecorded Night, Jennifer Lynch said the move comes in the continued spirit of celebrating Lynch’s accomplishments and all-around genius wherever and whenever possible.
“Unrecorded Night scripts are likely to be published by myself and my siblings as a way to offer what could not be realized, to those who would have loved it,” Jennifer Lynch wrote. “Like many millions of people, we are great fans of our father’s work, and wish to see it shared and celebrated in every good way. We know there is a wanting, and we feel the need to fulfill Dad’s gifts as best as possible.”
Lynch also recognized that, given the buzz around all things Lynch, some folks may instead to go digging online for the script. In response, the family is “[begging] everyone to wait for this release and not hunt down what will likely be unauthorized versions and would soil the beautiful work Dad created.”
In addition to scripts, a recent auction sold off a suite of Lynch’s personal belongings and film memorabilia. That included his director’s chair, a home espresso machine, and Lynch’s personal prints from Eraserhead and Lost Highway, among other movies.
While we all eagerly await the script for Unrecorded Night, be sure to revisit Michael Pementel’s essay, “Twin Peaks and The Black Lodge’s Influence on Cosmic Horror.” From there. you can also peruse the definitive ranking of David Lynch films.
English (US) · 