Summary of "Blank Check with Griffin & David" Episode: Inland Empire with David Rees
Release Date: November 24, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of Blank Check with Griffin & David, produced by Ben Hosley, hosts Griffin Newman and David Sims delve deep into David Lynch's enigmatic film Inland Empire. The miniseries focuses on directors who received early successes, granting them the creative freedom— the "blank check"—to pursue passion projects. This particular episode marks the exploration of Lynch's final theatrical feature film as of the recording date.

Ben Hosley's Connection with Inland Empire

Ben Hosley shares his personal journey with Inland Empire, recounting his initial viewing experience and subsequent deep dives into the film.

• First Viewing ([15:04]):
  Ben: "I saw it on March 10, 2007, at the Carolina Theater in Durham. It was spring of my senior year of high school. The theater was nearly empty, making it a unique and intimate experience."

• Subsequent Viewings ([04:14] - [04:39]):
  Ben: "The first and third times I watched Inland Empire, it was transformative. The third viewing, in particular, elevated it to my favorite David Lynch film."

Exploring Multiple Viewings and Insights

The conversation highlights how repeated viewings of Inland Empire unravel deeper layers of its complex narrative and technical craftsmanship.

• Second Viewing ([14:16] - [22:07]):
  Ben: "Watching with friends revealed nuances I'd previously overlooked. It demanded a collective engagement, enhancing my appreciation of Lynch's intricate storytelling."

• Live Scoring Experience ([125:34] - [175:36]):
  Ben: "We attempted a live improvisational score while watching Inland Empire. This immersive experience allowed us to interact with the film's emotional landscape creatively."

  Griffin: "Facing Laura Dern's character while providing a live score mirrored the film's themes of reality and perception, making the experience profoundly impactful."

Technical and Artistic Choices in Inland Empire

David Lynch's unconventional filmmaking techniques are dissected to understand their contribution to the film's haunting aesthetic.

• Digital Filmmaking ([65:56] - [84:03]):
  Griffin: "Lynch's choice to shoot on a Sony PD150 digital camera introduced deliberate artifacts and a raw visual texture, enhancing the film's dreamlike quality."

  David: "He described his digital camera as his 'beautiful little ugly thing,' embracing its limitations to foster artistic expression."

• Improvisation and Script ([152:00] - [167:27]):
  Ben: "The lack of a traditional script meant that performances were spontaneous. Laura Dern's ability to convey deep emotion without predefined lines showcased her extraordinary talent."

Performances and Character Analysis

The episode delves into the standout performances that bring Inland Empire's surreal narrative to life.

• Laura Dern's Role ([155:56] - [157:31]):
  Ben: "Dern's portrayal is mesmerizing. Her character navigates through various emotional states, embodying the film's central themes of identity and transformation."

  Griffin: "Her performances bridge the gap between scripted drama and raw emotional authenticity, making her a linchpin in Lynch's cinematic tapestry."

• Jeremy Irons and Naomi Watts ([123:18] - [157:31]):
  David: "Irons' character adds a layer of gravitas, while Watts' presence infuses the film with enigmatic allure. Their interactions with Dern's character are pivotal to the narrative's progression."

David Lynch's Creative Process and Influence

A deep dive into Lynch's methodology reveals his commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional filmmaking.

• Artistic Philosophy ([173:10] - [175:36]):
  Griffin: "Mel Brooks aptly described Lynch as 'as close to the phenomenon of life and why we're here and why we have to die as any artist I've ever met.' This encapsulates Lynch's profound influence on his work and, by extension, on filmmakers like Ben."

  Ben: "Lynch's intuitive approach, where every moment is an exploration without a fixed blueprint, sets him apart as a true auteur."

• Flow State and Intuition ([175:36] - [177:02]):
  Ben: "Engaging with Inland Empire felt like entering a flow state. The improvisational elements required us to be present and reactive, mirroring Lynch's own creative spontaneity."

Symbolism and Themes

Inland Empire is rich with recurring motifs that explore the subconscious, reality, and the fragmentation of identity.

• Keys and Portals ([163:10] - [174:00]):
  Ben: "Keys symbolize access and transition between different states of being. Throughout the film, they're entwined with themes of control and release."

• Reality vs. Perception ([153:14] - [175:02]):
  Griffin: "The film blurs the lines between dream and reality, creating a narrative that challenges viewers to question what they're witnessing."

  David: "This ambiguity is a hallmark of Lynch's work, making Inland Empire a profound commentary on the nature of perception."

Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Inland Empire

The episode wraps up with reflections on how Inland Empire has reshaped Ben's approach to film appreciation and creation.

• Transformative Experience ([171:00] - [175:36]):
  Ben: "Watching and engaging with Inland Empire has deepened my understanding of film as an emotional and intuitive medium. It's inspired me to pursue more interactive and immersive experiences in my creative endeavors."

  Griffin: "Lynch's unique blend of narrative and artistic experimentation not only captivates but also challenges the very essence of storytelling in cinema."

Notable Quotes

• Ben Hosley on the Film's Impact ([43:39] - [44:17]):

  "It's like, I really remember the shot of Laura Dern running towards the camera on that outdoor path, and then close up on her face with that agonizing grimace amidst an overlit scene. It was one of the biggest things I've ever seen."

• Griffin on Lynch's Process ([52:00] - [52:07]):

  "This is his movie, and it makes sense that this is what he would get to as the through line from the process of how he made it."

• Ben on Engaging with the Film ([69:06] - [78:27]):

  "Watching Inland Empire live with friends and scoring it was one of the great creative experiences of my adult life. It changed the way I engage with movies going forward."

• Griffin on Lynch's Artistic Nature ([173:10] - [173:23]):

  "That's why you cannot totally crack them because he's making movies about these unanswerable questions that fundamentally kind of don't make sense."

This episode offers an in-depth exploration of David Lynch's Inland Empire, highlighting its complex narrative, technical ingenuity, and profound emotional resonance. Through personal anecdotes and analytical discussions, Ben Hosley, alongside Griffin Newman and David Sims, unravels the layers that make this film a standout in Lynch's illustrious career.