Lost Highway (1997)

After a bizarre encounter at a party, a jazz saxophonist is framed for the murder of his wife and sent to prison, where he inexplicably morphs into a young mechanic and begins leading a new life.

Director:

David Lynch

Writers:

David Lynch, Barry Gifford

Stars:

Bill Pullman, Patricia Arquette, John Roselius

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Bill Pullman	...	Fred Madison
Patricia Arquette	...	Renee Madison / Alice Wakefield
John Roselius	...	Al
Louis Eppolito	...	Ed (as Lou Eppolito)
Jenna Maetlind	...	Party Girl
Michael Massee	...	Andy
Robert Blake	...	Mystery Man
Henry Rollins	...	Guard Henry
Michael Shamus Wiles	...	Guard Mike
Mink Stole	...	Forewoman (voice)
Leonard Termo	...	Judge (voice)
Ivory Ocean	...	Guard Ivory
Jack Kehler	...	Guard Johnny Mack
David Byrd	...	Doctor Smordin
Gene Ross	...	Warden Clements

Storyline

Fred Madison, a saxophonist, is accused under mysterious circumstances of murdering his wife Renee. On death row, he inexplicably morphs into a young man named Pete Dayton, leading a completely different life. When Pete is released, his and Fred's paths begin to cross in a surreal, suspenseful web of intrigue, orchestrated by a shady gangster boss named Dick Laurent.

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Plot Keywords:

prison | videotape | detective | gangster | murder | 

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Genres:

Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for bizarre violent and sexual content, and for strong language

Details

Official Sites:

davidlynch.com [us]

Country:

France USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

21 February 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

Carretera perdida

Filming Locations:

803 South La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$15,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$212,710 (USA) (21 February 1997)

Gross:

$3,796,699 (USA) (18 April 1997)

Company Credits

Production Co:

October Films, CiBy 2000, Asymmetrical Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

134 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The three paintings visible above Fred and Renee's sofa are by Lynch's ex-wife. The text of the one wherein the woman reads a note from her child is reproduced in a David Foster Wallace essay regarding Lost Highway's production: "Dear Mom I keep having my fish dream. They bite my face! Tell dad I dont take naps. The fishes are skinny an mad I miss you. His wife makes me eat trouts and anchovys The fishes make nosis they blow bubbels. How are you [unreadable] you fine? don't forget to lock the doors the fishes [unreadable] me they hate me. Love form DANA"

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Quotes

Fred Madison: Where's Alice?
Mystery Man: Alice who? Her name is Renee. If she's told you her name is Alice, she's lying.
[filled with rage]
Mystery Man: [shouts] And your name? What the fuck is your name?

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Crazy Credits

A Real Trooper-Guadalupe Hurst

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Connections

Referenced in Le son de Lynch (2007)

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Soundtracks

"Driving Theme"
Written, Arranged, Produced, Performed and Mixed by Trent Reznor
Leaving Hope Music/TVT Music (ASCAP)
Additional Production by Peter Christopherson
Additional Guitars by Danny Lohner
Assisted by Brian Pollack
Courtesy of Nothing/TVT/Interscope Records

User Reviews

Very eerie, very disturbing, very nightmare-ish and very entertaining!

I absolutely loved this movie. I have always loved to watch a good flick that puts my brain to the test. Maybe the film isn't suppose to make much sense, but that's what I love about it. You have to try and analyze it and make your own theories about what just took place. This movie isn't for a lot of people and I mean a lot. You have to like movies like Mulholland Drive, Memento, The Man Who Wasn't There, etc.. to even begin to like this one. I'm not necessarily a big David Lynch fan, but this movie rocked big time.

One of the most eery parts of the film is when (Bill Pullman) is making love to his wife (Patricia Arquette) and her face turns into the mystery man (Robert Blake). A very freaky looking individual, indeed. In my eyes, he represents the devil. But, that's my take on it.

Another great scene is when Pete is making love to Patricia Arquette in the Desert. The lighting, music, camera angles, emotions and everything is just one of the best pieces of cinemtography I've ever seen in my life.

My recommendation is this: If you liked Mulholland Drive, Memento, Pulp Fiction, Fargo, The Man Who Wasn't There, Blue Velvet, then this movie is your cup of tea. If not, don't waste your time, cause you'll hate it, more than likely. 3 1/2 *'s out of 4 *'s.