WAIM 161: Author Mike Miley on David Lynch's America

David Lynch is a director known to spark wildly different reactions from cinephiles and movie fans. There are legions of fans who claim Lynch as one of the great American auteurs, and see him as one of the finest filmmakers that the world has ever produced. There are also those that will stand tall and proud to proclaim Lynch a cinematic charlatan, and nothing more than a self indulgent weirdo filming his most outlandish fantasies. But say what you will of his work, David Lynch was a completely unique voice in the history of cinema.Author and film scholar Mike Miley has taken on the herculean task of unpacking Lynch’s work, its origins, and its impacts on American culture. His new book, David Lynch’s American Dreamscape takes a deep look at the ways that Lynch was a master at showing us the underbelly of a seemingly idyllic American existence, one filled with cherry pie, carefree teenagers, and white picket fences. Author, and friend of the pod, Sarah Kendzior has also written deeply about the ways that Laura Palmer’s arc in Twin Peaks serves as an allegory for the Epstein Scandal and America’s rampant mistreatment of women.Miley and I dive deep into Lynch’s world to learn where the filmmaker found the fuel for his completely singular cinematic sensibility. We explore the impacts that Lynch has had not just on the film world, but also in the realms of music and literature. Miley also paints a direct line between Lynch’s filmic outlook and some of the sacred texts of children’s literature.Before we even get into the subject at hand, Mike and I begin the conversation with a chat about him seeing the Jason Narducy and Michael Shannon band playing R.E.M.’s Life’s Rich Pageant album, which eventually leads to some chatter about Wilco and even a bit of discussion on the state of modern day Dad rock. Rest assured, we get to the Lynch stuff after just a few minutes. So, please buckle up, this is a fascinating chat that looks deeply and thoughtfully at one of the most original artists this country has ever produced. Here now are me and author Mike Miley on David Lynch, America, and more.Let’s get into it.Cheers,Matty C -------------------------End CreditsThanks so much to Mike for joining me, you can find his new book David Lynch’s American Dreamscape online at the link in the show notes. You can learn more about Mike and all of his work at https://www.mikemiley.com/The What Am I Making podcast is hosted, written, and produced by me, Matty C.Our theme music was written and recorded by David J. Baldwin.You can subscribe to our show wherever you get your podcasts. Please be sure to like, rate and review the show if you enjoy it.Our work is solely sponsored by listeners and readers like you. Please lend your support today with a paid subscription at whatamimaking.substack.com/. Now is a crucial time for new paid subscribers. Please step up and support the show.You can email the show anytime at [email protected]. You can also leave us a voicemail with your questions or concerns at speakpipe.com/whatamimaking Get full access to What Am I Making at whatamimaking.substack.com/subscribe