Is David Lynch retiring from directing due to health concerns?
Sad news as the mastermind behind Twin Peaks and 'Mulholland Drive' reveals that he cannot direct on set anymore since being diagnosed with emphysema. However, the director has clarified some of his comments, stating he will "never retire."
American director David Lynch has revealed he can no longer leave his house since being diagnosed with emphysema.
The celebrated creator of places “both wonderful and strange” behind films like Eraserhead, Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive, as well as the creator of Twin Peaks, shared the revelation in a new interview with Sight & Sound magazine.
Lynch, 78, said he was diagnosed with emphysema due to being a lifelong smoker and said that, if he directs again, it will have to be remotely as he cannot “go out” due to fears he will get COVID.
“I’ve gotten emphysema from smoking for so long and so I’m homebound whether I like it or not. It would be very bad for me to get sick, even with a cold,” he said, revealing that he “can only walk a short distance before” he’s “out of oxygen”.
Regarding the future of directing, he said: “I would do it remotely if it comes to it”, but added “I wouldn’t like that so much.”
While this news felt like an arrow straight to the heart of film fans who love the uniquely surrealist moods the director creates, Lynch did clarify his comments on X.
His follow-up statement read:
“Yes, I have emphysema from my many years of smoking. I have to say that I enjoyed smoking very much, and I do love tobacco – the smell of it, lighting cigarettes on fire, smoking them – but there is a price to pay for this enjoyment, and the price for me is emphysma. I have now quit smoking for over two years. Recently I had many tests and the good news is that I am in excellent shape except for emphysema. I am filled with happiness, and I will never retire. I want you all to know that I really appreciate your concern. Love, David.”
Emphysema, also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is mainly caused by smoking and exposure to dust and chemicals at work.
The World Health Organisation has predicted it will become the third leading cause of death worldwide by 2030.
Not that being homebound has limited Lynch’s creativity.
During the pandemic, he launched the “What is David Working on Today?” video series and daily weather reports on YoutTube (see above).
He also recently released an album titled ‘Cellophane Memories’ with Chrystabell. The two have recorded albums together in the past and worked together on the third season of Twin Peaks, in which Chrystabell played the role of Agent Tammy Preston.
Lynch’s last screen project was the 18-episode TV series Twin Peaks: The Return in 2017, which was named by French publication Cahiers du Cinéma as the Best Film of the Decade, despite being a television show.
The director’s last feature film was Inland Empire, released in 2006.
His unreleased projects include a feature film Antelope Don’t Run No More and a rumoured 13-part Netflix series titled Wisteria / Unrecorded Night.
Another project which has been talked about is an animation film called Snootworld, which he has been working on for more than two decades with Caroline Thompson (The Nightmare Before Christmas). The project was reportedly presented to Netflix but the streamer rejected it.
Grumble grumble grumble.
Mr. Lynch, we wish you well - and thank you for keeping an eye on the future for us.
Additional sources • Sight & Sound
