Rating: 
Summary: The lack of Special features is intentional.
Review: Many [people] have complained that the DVD of Mulholland DR. doesn't have chapter breaks and a director's commentary. Well, it's intentional. David Lynch doesn't like Chapter breaks, so none of his DVDs have them. He wants you to sit down and watch the whole movie, from beginning to end. The movie doesn't have a director's commentary, because Lynch wants you to figure out for yourself what the movie is about.
Rating: 
Summary: One Explanation of the Plot of This Fascinating Movie
Review: ...
The real, actual story does not begin until right after Rita/Camilla gets [pulled] into the blue box (possibly meant to symbolize a screen/movie/TV) and The Cowboy tells the corpse on the bed to wake up (as Diane, who "Betty" has been all along). In simplest form: Betty/Diane was a so-so actress and star-wannabe who lost out on a part to Rita/Camilla and was jealous of her. The two of them did become friends (from Rita/Camilla's perspective) and did mess with a lesbian relationship (which Betty/Diane took very seriously and which Rita/Camilla did not take so seriously). Betty/Diane became increasingly dejected at her botched sexual relationship as well as her jealousy for the way Hollywood works for people like Rita/Camilla. Betty/Diane was briefly thrilled (I think) to hold Rita/Camilla's hand as they walked through the brush up to the party, but she was immediately horrified to realize Rita/Camilla was to marry Adam, the director. In fact, Betty/Diane was so hurt that she decided
to hire the assassin to kill Rita/Diane so that she could get on with her own life. The hitman said Betty/Diane would receive the blue key once the hit had taken place. She receives the key, but then it's discovered that the hit hasn't gone as planned and "the girl is missing" (which is what takes place at the technical beginning of the movie)--we know that Betty/Diane has been called about this because of the red lampshade next to
the phone at the beginning--the very red lampshade and phone we later learn are in Betty/Diane's apartment. Betty/Diane has spent her last dime to have Rita/Camilla killed, and it didn't work. Betty/Diane loses her marbles and kills herself (the elderly couple, I think, represent the American Viewing Audience). Right after the opening credits we get the weird scene, from the camera's viewpoint, of someone flopping onto a red pillow and some unidentified heavy breathing.
It is Betty/Diane falling (dead or else just stoned) onto her own bed. A friend of mine thinks, and I tend to agree, that at her moment of death, Betty/Diane's spirit goes to get the amnesiac Rita/Camilla and take her to her own dead body (which is why, in the first half of the film, Rita is the only one who screams at the sight of the body--she's really just discovered her former lover/friend dead: the realest show, the realest version of the Spanish singer falling dead away after her own taped singing: the ultimate act of being overcome). And death is the one act you really get one chance to do right/convinciningly. Or something.
It's very annoying the DVD has no chapter selection.
Rating:
Summary: Two Types of Dreams--One Worthy
Review: "Mulholland Drive" is about dreams--both kinds. The kind we have at night and the ones we wish while we're awake. The dream of a successful career in Hollywood has motivated many, mostly to their extreme disappointment. How such may become tragedy is the driving force behind the film, and what makes it worthwhile. The dreams at night, mostly the dreadful ones, are Lynch's stock in trade. They are expertly portrayed in the film, even a few humorous ones. They stick in the mind, disturbingly, for days. They are acceptable as a character-development device, but as Lynch goes overboard in trying to titillate weirdness addicts, he distances the majority of even intellegent and discerning moviegoers. Why do that, when he has something to say about the first kind of dream, our hopes when awake? A shame, given the superb cinematography and acting. A shame, when zombie-like pacing, appropriate for the dreadful dreams, numbs those who might otherwise have appreciated the film more. The thud-chord musical score doesn't help, either. For it's overemphasis on the dreadful dream, the film may remain the cult favorite of young figure-it-outers, but never become an accepted masterpiece of cinema. On the other hand, for figure-it-outers who would like a TRULY profound experience of substance, I recommend Von Trier's "Zentropa."
Rating: 
Summary: This is so much more than no comprehendo
Review: I've decided that this is my favorite Lynch film, but it is an aquired taste nonetheless. I saw this film several times when it was in theaters and a couple more since it was released on DVD. I really don't care about the whole thing about the blurring of Laura Herring's private area (David Lynch even admitted he did that on purpose to prevent perverts from exploiting it) or the whole one chapter DVD thing. Mr. Lynch is demanding you to watch the film in its entirety. What's so bad about that? I was actually ANGRY when Lynch got Oscar nominated. Only then would an ununderstanding mainstream actually watch this film, only to gripe about they didn't "get it." I would insist that the serious film-watcher not listen to anything those people have to say. I was also very disappointed when I heard that this wasn't going to be a television show since I had loved "Twin Peaks" so much, but Lynch is a cinema person. Network television just doesn't deserve his talents. I still hoped he would release the pilot in some fashion. Then I heard he won Best Director at Cannes. I wondered what the lovely was going on. As it turned out, the project turned out to be a surrealist gem! I think most of it makes sense. I've tried explaining what I think the "meaning" is, but not many people will listen b/c I guess more people want to pay attention to b.s. like "Zoolander" or "Panic Room." I've heard every theory from the film is just a ... meditation on how modern Hollywood is the destruction of Zen to the whole thing is actually taking place in the 1950's and is the realization of the film that the director is casting. Whatever the "real" meaning, I think the whole thing is perfect! The music and cinematography is GORGEOUS and deserves EVERY AWARD in the the book! It is definitely Lynch's sexiest with beautiful locations, occasional Spanish language and lovely female physiques on display everywhere. It certainly surpasses the boredom that "Lost Highway," "Eraserhead," and "Dune" conveyed and the love theme is stronger than the ones in "Blue Velvet" and "Wild At Heart." I'm not quite sure if this is better than "Elephant Man," and "Straight Story," but they don't count since those were TRUE stories. "Mulholland Dr." seems to be total surrealism with realistic moral messages involving obsession, unrealistic dreams and mortality. There is a lingering grim sadness floating throughout the narrative, particularly in the second part (probably b/c of how ABC treated Lynch after he delivered the pilot). I'm really not quite sure what to make of that stupid blue key or whatever it is supposed to "open up," and the ending IS just a tad too hokey with the loss-of-innocence and embracing-of-the-abyss metaphors for my tastes. But what the film did for me was open up the possibilities of cinema (independent or mainstream) and suggested that imagination does actually exist and is necessary for survival even in this day and age. Naomi and Laura were really great too, especially in bed (tee hee)! You go Lynch!
Rating:
Summary: The best of 2001: An absolute masterpiece
Review: When watching this movie for the first time your initial reaction is gonna "WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT"? After watching it again your gonna say "well I never noticed this before." After watching it a third time the thing you noticed before isn't gonna make a whole lotta sense because something is off with the scene. My point is for those of you trying to decipher this film and make sense out of it don't bother. When you think you have a grip on it something happens in the movie that turns it all upside down. I'm not gonna bother explaining any plot here, because it wouldn't do any good. This was the best movie of 2001.
Rating:
Summary: Lynch's best
Review: I give this movie a 5 - what a bountiful sensory 2.5 hours! The surreal cinematography and the musical score took you on a ride that was like a tidal wave. I wanted to give a personal thank you to the two leading actresses, Naomi Watts and Laura Elena Harring, for their performances. Together, they brought to the fabric of the movie a soft silk - which held up well to the sometimes harsh imagery in the movie. Bravo also to Naomi Watts for giving us the sweet character "Betty" who reverts to the "Diane" in reality. What a mind blower! I've seen almost all of Mr. Lynch's movies - and liked them all. But this one is more memorable - and definitely more womanly than his other films. The actors believably navigate the depth of human emotion that Mr. Lynch intended. I enjoyed the puzzles, clues and flashbacks -- its not intended to be doled out in nice, digestible pieces. Mr. Lynch, please make more movies.
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Summary: Cookiecrumb_2000
Review: I have read many reviews that have said Mulholland Falls is 3 different stories. I beg to differ. Mullholland Falls is infact one long movie and it all connects together. I havd to watch it 3 times to understand it all but it is their. For fanes of David Lynch it a entangling, engrossing story that follows you like a old soul. The first time I watched this movie I was dumbfounded. I was confused... and did not understand. But it held my interest and haunted me even after the final words were spoken. So I watched it the second time and something clicked, so on and so forth. So if you want a movie that makes you think and you love David Lynch, then buy this DVD and hold on cause you'll have the ride of your life!
Rating:
Summary: FORGET EVERYTHING YOU THINK YOU KNOW
Review: First of all, if you're not a David Lynch fan, stop reading this review; don't watch the movie. Lynch is one of those filmmakers where you either like him or you don't. There's no middle ground. Period. If you are not the type of person who enjoys to really think about movies, then don't go any further. Mulholland Drive is a movie that makes you ask questions---a lot of them. If, however, you are the person who enjoys convoluted movies that remain in your head for a lengthy period of time, proceed. Laura Harring plays a woman with amnesia who stumbles into Naomi Watts' apartment. Naomi Watts (in a fabulous performance) tried desperately to help the strange girl find out who she is. You won't know what's going on until after the credits have rolled, and even then, I'm not sure about closure. I don't want to be too specific, that would ruin the surprise. Watch Mulholland Drive, and then watch it again. You'll need to. Is every character really who they say they are? You'll have to find out. So, take a drive....on Mulholland Drive.
Rating:
Summary: from the master himself
Review: to normanbfromla -- there are no chapter stops b/c Mr. Lynch doesn't want them. Didnt you read it in the MENU? Now, this is the most Brilliant Movie of 2001... totally deserves every accolade... if you haven't seen it, at least goto the Video store and rent it, if you are a TRUE Lynch fan, well, then you should buy it and add it to your collection....
Rating:
Summary: The Best Movie of 2001 Comes Home
Review: Despite the fact that this DVD fails to deliver in the way of "extras" or even a chapter select option, I can't bring myself to give it anything other than five stars. It earns my highest possible recommendation solely on the strength of the film itself. David Lynch has outdone himself. He continues to enthrall and mesmerize. I've fianlly figured out why I love his movies so much: they're not predictable, an unheard-of feat in today's dismal industry of overhyped, manufactured commercialism and tired formula filmmaking. Mulholland Drive is a tale of the classic Hollywood Dream gone horribly awry. It drips with mystery, style, and eroticism. Its dizzying complexity and unorthodox structure have led many to dismiss it as pretentious arthouse fluff. However, once the layers of cryptic, sophisticated storytelling are recognized and unravelled, the story is remarkably solid and explains itself completely. The stunning and divine Laura Harring seamlessly pulls off the split role of Rita/Camilla. But the real wonder is watching Naomi Watts convince us at the beginning that she's a lousy actress... and then proving us dead wrong. For those who have yet to experience Mulholland Drive, I will simply say to watch and prepare to be amazed...
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