Eraserhead
Directed by: David Lynch

Premise: Henry’s (John Nance) life slowly spins out of control when his girlfriend gives birth to an inhuman creature.

What Works: Eraserhead is a highly surreal picture. Unlike Lynch’s Lost Highway or Mulholland Dr, this has a straightforward linear narrative that uses cinematography and editing to unsettle the viewer by defying their expectations about storytelling conventions. It is dramatically engaging and combines the alien and the familiar to successfully create a hybrid story world that is unnerving. 

What Doesn’t: This is an art film and those who cannot appreciate films that are slow or those that play with the form should steer clear of it. Also, the film is uncompromisingly dark and gets abstract at times. While this serves the film, the viewer should be aware of what they are getting into.

DVD extras: A retrospective feature on the making of the film and a demo to gauge the brightness of your television, which is crucial to viewing the film. 

Bottom Line: Considered by some to be among the most disturbing pictures ever made, Eraserhead is not for everyone. It is an important film and fans of Lynch’s surrealist work should enjoy it.