GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Triplex Cinema is set to launch “Time to Wake Up: A Tribute to David Lynch,” a film series celebrating the groundbreaking work of the iconic director, whose unique style has left an indelible mark on cinema.
Premiere and Film Lineup
The tribute series will kick off on February 15 with a screening of Lynch’s critically acclaimed film “Wild at Heart.” This romantic comedy-drama thriller, which debuted in 1990, features a star-studded cast including Nicolas Cage, Laura Dern, Willem Dafoe, and Isabella Rossellini. It follows a young couple on the run from dangerous criminals. “Wild at Heart” received the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival the same year and has since become a staple of independent cinema from the 1990s.
Following the premiere, the series will showcase five additional films, culminating on April 26 with “Blue Velvet.” Here’s the full lineup for the “Time to Wake Up” series:
- Wild at Heart – February 15
- Eraserhead – March 1
- Lost Highway – March 15
- Mulholland Drive – March 29
- Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me – April 12
- Blue Velvet – April 26
Tickets are available for purchase in advance at thetriplex.org.
Responding to Loss
David Lynch’s passing on January 16 resonated deeply within the artistic community and among his fans. Ben Elliott, Creative Director of the Triplex Cinema, noted that responses to the news included heartfelt online tributes as well as a surge of creativity, with memes, cartoons, and even a shrine dedicated to his beloved Bob’s Big Boy in Los Angeles.
“It was a kind of joyful processing of grief that was unlike any in recent memory because David Lynch was unlike anyone else in recent memory,” Elliott stated. He emphasized the significance of Lynch’s work, suggesting that it offered audiences a glimpse into a cinematic realm where the veneer of American perfection often masked darker themes. For many fans, particularly those who discovered Lynch’s films during their formative years, his works provided validation of their own uniqueness.
Elliott has curated this series as a way for the community to come together and honor Lynch’s legacy by experiencing his films on the big screen as they were originally intended. In addition to the screenings, Elliott plans to introduce each film, and there may be special guest speakers accompanying some titles.
Community Support and Future Events
Nicki Wilson, President of the Triplex Board of Directors, expressed enthusiasm about honoring Lynch’s contributions to cinema, stating, “We are kicking off 2025 with a number of special events and series, and we are thrilled to be honoring director David Lynch, a director and artist beloved in our community.” She encouraged patrons to support the Triplex Cinema through memberships or donations, underscoring the importance of community backing in making special events and programming possible.
As the Triplex Cinema gears up for what promises to be a dynamic year ahead, the “Time to Wake Up” series serves as both a celebration of Lynch’s influential career and a gathering place for fans to reflect on the impact he had on both the industry and individual lives.
With a blend of nostalgia and recognition, the series offers a chance to revisit some of Lynch’s most significant works while fostering a sense of community around shared experiences in film.