Inland Empire, The Big Dream: David Lynch’s Hollywood Trilogy &3Key Films to Unlock Its Mysteries

Experience David Lynch's surreal masterpiece on the big screen on the final night of The Big Dream series, which has explored the mysteries of his Hollywood Trilogy. Starring Laura Dern, Jeremy Irons, and Justin Theroux, this screening offers a rare opportunity to dive into a story of 'a woman in trouble' presented by the CSUN Cinematheque.

The series, The Big Dream: David Lynch’s Hollywood Trilogy and Three Key Films to Unlock Its Mysteries, explored Lynch’s Lost Highway (1997), Mulholland Drive (2001), and Inland Empire (2006) alongside three landmark films that illuminate their themes and cinematic language: Maya Deren and Alexander Hammid’s Meshes of the Afternoon(1943), Ingmar Bergman’s Persona (1966), and Federico Fellini’s 8 1/2 (1963).Through screenings and discussion, the series has examined Lynch’s relationship to Hollywood, identity, performance, dreams, memory, and the boundaries between fantasy and reality.

The CSUN Cinematheque is an innovative year-round film screening program housed in the Elaine and Alan Armer Screening Room, a state-of-the-art 130 seat motion picture theater on the CSUN campus. Founded by the late Dr. John E. Schultheiss, it is the only venue of its kind in the San Fernando Valley. The Cinematheque presents thematically designed retrospectives of classic films, as well as aesthetically significant contemporary releases--in conjunction with the appearance of featured guest artists for lectures and panel discussions. Conceptual presentations are devoted to: filmographies of important directors, writers, actors, cinematographers; essential genre works; seminal documentaries; major literary, philosophical, narrative themes and traditions; defining technical and artistic models and styles. The Cinematheque is also intended as a regular venue for film organizations, student film competitions, and conferences. Collaboration is encouraged with local studios, guilds, and academies for screenings and related events.

The majority of CSUN Cinematheque screenings support the academic mission ofthe Cinema and Television Arts Department. These are provided in conjunction with a lecture or Q&A.