Eraserhead (1977)
 This classic from David Lynch blends paranoia, claustrophobia,
and the ultra macabre into a truly unique story about a young man
whose life changes dramatically when his girlfriend gives birth to
a grotesque, premature baby.
That's not a plot summary - just one event in a surreal,
ghoulish web of actions in this striking and original debut from
an important director.
Jumpy Henry Spencer (John Nance in the title role) lives in an urban dystopia of
shadows and smoke.
A weird character with a peculiar elongated
head and hair that stands on end, he is bewildered by everything. In his seedy
apartment he dreams of sex and the girl he believes lives in his
radiators.
When he visits Mary - who may or may not be his ex-girlfriend -
he endures a frightful family dinner before Mary tells him they
have a baby. It is deformed, hideous and foetus-like. Mary dumps
it with Henry, who does not enjoy the subsequent daily
responsibility. He's trapped.
In a dream, Henry sees himself decapitated, his head to be used
as an eraser. Waking, he realises he must kill the wretched baby.
The Lady In The Radiator assures him that "in heaven,
everything is fine".
The film is full of irrationality and free association - It's a
waking dream. The disorientating design and Frederick Elmes' camera work owe
much to the giants of German Expressionism, and these elements are
enhanced by the hissing, crackling sound-bed, producing an
atmosphere that haunts for longer than is comfortable.
Lynch took five years to make his unsettling debut
feature film - with no budget - as part of his film student work.
He only filmed in the early hours of the day and looked through
trashcans for props. His only source of income was building sheds
and delivering newspapers.
All testament to the extraordinary tenacity of a truly original
filmmaker. Pure genius.
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