Room to Dream is a "hybrid of biography and memoir" of David Lynch. I love the idea of alternating chapters of traditional biography with chapters of the subject telling stories relating to that period of his or her life. Unfortunately, though, that's not what Room to Dream really is. The biographical chapters are not researched or written to provide insight into Lynch's character; they are fawning collections of admiring quotes. We learn the basic facts about Lynch's life and get anecdotes from various collaborators, but nothing resembling a character portrait.
I would have really liked to know more about how Lynch dealt with a huge studio production (The Elephant Man) after spending years on a passion project with his friends. How was he able to make the adjustment? How did he appear to the professionals used to more experienced directors? I'd also like to know more about the course of his relationships with his wives.
Especially in his later years, when he has an entourage catering to his needs, there are numerous clues to suggest that Lynch can be a difficult and capricious man to deal with, especially for women. (Some of the behind-the-scenes footage on the DVD for Twin Peaks: The Return includes moderately creepy behavior.) I wish the book went beyond Lynch's public persona of a nice Midwestern artist with the restless creativity to create a more nuanced view. You know, like a biography.
I would have really liked to know more about how Lynch dealt with a huge studio production (The Elephant Man) after spending years on a passion project with his friends. How was he able to make the adjustment? How did he appear to the professionals used to more experienced directors? I'd also like to know more about the course of his relationships with his wives.
Especially in his later years, when he has an entourage catering to his needs, there are numerous clues to suggest that Lynch can be a difficult and capricious man to deal with, especially for women. (Some of the behind-the-scenes footage on the DVD for Twin Peaks: The Return includes moderately creepy behavior.) I wish the book went beyond Lynch's public persona of a nice Midwestern artist with the restless creativity to create a more nuanced view. You know, like a biography.
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