Continuing with David Lynch.
Mulholland Drive doesn’t actually have such a mind-bendingly difficult plot—just follow a few simple steps, which I’ll lay out below, spoiler-free.
I rewatched the film this year, in an open-air cinema. Heading in, I’d forgotten most of the details, including the plot. All I could recall were some specific scenes (the espresso one, the no-band performance) and a vague memory that the story revolved around a girl trying to make it in Hollywood.
This time around, I noticed that the plot is relatively straightforward—definitely easier to follow than TENET.
I started wondering why it had seemed so incomprehensible to me the first time I watched it. After thinking it through, I identified the elements that had confused me in earlier viewings. From that introspection, I came up with two simple tips to help you understand the movie (if you haven’t already).
Tip A: Follow the plot as it unfolds. Don’t go searching for symbolism and hidden meanings right away.
Tip B: Remember the names of the main characters.
That’s it.
A quick clarification about Tip A: I’m not saying the film lacks symbolism. The layers and deeper meanings are definitely there. But they’re not obvious as you’re watching the movie. You’ll pick up on them later, once the pieces of the story come together.
By the way, back in 2001 when the film first premiered, Lynch himself released a list of clues to help viewers decipher the movie. They even handed them out at the cinema entrance. Here’s the list:
David Lynch's 10 Clues to Unlock Mulholland Drive
Pay particular attention at the beginning of the film: at least two clues are revealed before the credits.
Notice appearances of the red lampshade.
Can you hear the title of the film Adam Kesher is auditioning actresses for?
Is it mentioned again?
An accident is a terrible event… notice the location of the accident.
Who gives a key, and why?
Notice the robe, the ashtray, the coffee cup.
What is felt, realized, and gathered at Club Silencio?
Did talent alone help Camilla?
Note the occurrences surrounding the man behind Winkie’s.
Where is Aunt Ruth?