Welcome to Queerty’s latest entry in our Queerantined: Daily Dose series. Every day as long as the COVID-19 pandemic has us under quarantine, we’ll release a suggested bit of gloriously queer entertainment designed to keep you from getting stir crazy in the house. Each weekend, we will also suggest a bingable title to keep you extra busy.
The Surreal: Mulholland Dr.
Who’d have thought that David Lynch’s 2001 surrealist masterpiece would also become one of the most overlooked queer films of all time? Naomi Watts stars as Betty, a plucky blond who comes to Los Angeles with dreams of becoming a star. When she crosses paths with Rita (Laura Elena Harring), a mysterious woman in trouble with a nasty case of amnesia, the two descend into a world of menace, intrigue and undeniable passion. If that plot description sounds like something out of a Nancy Drew novel–or possibly softcore porn–you’re not wrong. In truth, Mulholland Dr. has both those qualities, along with so much more. Watts gives one of the most astonishing performances of the 2000s in a lead, and in a role that affords her stunning range. The cast also boasts Justin Theroux, Ann Miller, Dan Heyda and Robert Forester, all of whom give memorable performances. The film will divide viewers completely taken off guard by its plot twists and dreamlike style, versus those that embrace them. For those that can get on board, Mulholland Dr. offers one hell of a ride, and one of the sexiest queer relationships set to film. It also pairs well with red wine, and since today is Sunday, why not just pour one?
Streams on Amazon, VUDU, YouTube & iTunes.
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Jared MacBride
Great movie – maybe the best in the 21st century – but don’t get too wrapped up in trying to figure out the plot – just enjoy the ride. Lynch shot these scenes intending to sell them as a tv show. When that didn’t work it became a hell of a movie.
Donston
It’s actually not too difficult to piece the plot together. Everything fits once you realize how it fits. But I loved this movie before I “figured it out”. You really have to give yourself to the experience.
Jared MacBride
@Donston – I also got the plot, but I know a lot fo people who tried so hard to understand every nuance of the story they missed the beauty of the film.
Kangol2
Mulholland Drive is an excellent, utterly original movie, and one of David Lynch’s masterpieces.
trell
Loved this movie, and when David Reddish writes ‘so much more’, there is SO MUCH MORE!
Also, there WAS an actual plot which can be followed and makes sense. It is a unique POV, that Lynch also used in the Lost Highway. Once you understand the POV and what parts of the movie are happening IRL, what parts are a dream, and what parts are the unraveling memories of a mad person, it just adds to the genius of the movie.