Steven Spielberg pays tribute to “visionary dreamer” David Lynch
Following the news that legendary filmmaker David Lynch has died, age 78, Steven Spielberg has released a statement paying tribute to the cinematic icon.
Lynch died following his battle with emphysema, a condition caused by a lifetime of smoking. The filmmaker had spoken out about his struggles with the illness over the last few months of his life, claiming that basic tasks like walking were proving incredibly difficult.
The director was known for his surrealist style, making groundbreaking movies and television shows that blurred the lines between avant-garde and the mainstream. Some of his best-known works included Twin Peaks, Eraserhead, The Elephant Man, Blue Velvet, and Mulholland Drive.
Spielberg has written a statement which begins, “I loved David’s films. Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive and Elephant Man defined him as a singular, visionary dreamer who directed films that felt handmade. I got to know David when he played John Ford in The Fabelmans.”
He added, “Here was one of my heroes—David Lynch playing one of my heroes. It was surreal and seemed like a scene out of one of David’s own movies. The world is going to miss such an original and unique voice. His films have already stood the test of time and they always will.”
Spielberg had Lynch play the western director in The Fabelmans in 2022, with longtime collaborator Laura Dern reportedly convincing Lynch to accept the part.
Lynch died on January 16th, with his family posting on social media: “It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch. There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us. But, as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole.’ It’s a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way.”
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