David Lynch, the visionary writer-director renowned for his dark narratives that intertwine radical experimental cinema with the surreal aspects of everyday Americana, has passed away at 78. His extraordinary films, including "Blue Velvet," "Wild at Heart," and "Mulholland Drive," propelled him to cult status and earned him several prestigious awards. Lynch also pioneered the iconic television series "Twin Peaks," which forever changed the landscape of television storytelling.
Over his illustrious career, he received three Academy Award nominations for Best Director, a Lifetime Achievement Oscar, and the coveted Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Lynch developed a distinctive visual style that is easily recognisable. Here’s a look at eight real-world locations featured in his films, highlighting his deep admiration for architecture and mid-century design.
Lynch filmed poignant scenes for The Elephant Man at the bustling Liverpool Street Station in the UK. The film is inspired by the true story of Joseph Merrick, a man in Victorian England who was cruelly exhibited as a "freak" at circus sideshows due to his physical deformities. In a powerful scene, Merrick faces harassment from a group of young boys at the station.
One of the most famous locations associated with Lynch is the retro-style 'Double R' diner from Twin Peaks. The real-life roadside café is Twede’s Cafe, located in North Bend, Washington. It was transformed into the Double R Diner for the series. The café is well-known for its cherry pie and black coffee, which the main characters frequently praise. After Lynch's passing, his name was featured on the marquee of the North Bend Theater. The series significantly boosted the town, especially after the decline of the logging industry. The café became a major attraction for tourists and fans, drawing visitors worldwide. You can visit to experience a piece of the show yourself—enjoy a cup of black coffee and a slice of cherry pie.
Address: 137 W North Bend Way, North Bend, WA 98045, USA
This location is an essential stop on the Lynch pilgrimage for fans, as it is where Eraserhead was created. Built in 1928, this 55-room Tudor Revival-style home was constructed by oil baron Edward L. Doheny. In the mid-1960s, it was leased to the American Film Institute. A young David Lynch spent four years in the early to mid-1970s transforming the stables and surrounding outbuildings into the stark, minimalist set for this iconic film.
Address: 905 Loma Vista Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, United States
Experience the allure of Mulholland Drive, a stunning route made famous by the iconic film. This breathtaking route connects Los Angeles to the picturesque San Fernando Valley, meandering through the enchanting eastern Santa Monica Mountains and the captivating Hollywood Hills. Take advantage of the many scenic lookouts and parking spots along the way, allowing you to pause and soak in the breathtaking views. Discover some of the world's most luxurious homes nestled in this area, where many celebrities call home.
Filmed in and around Los Angeles, Mulholland Drive was voted number one in the BBC’s 100 Greatest Films of the 21st Century poll. It was Lynch’s love letter to LA, showcasing the city known as the birthplace of the entertainment industry. In the movie, since Betty is a struggling actress, she temporarily occupies her Aunt Ruth’s vacant apartment. You can visit the courtyard apartment complex - the Il Borghese, located near the corner of North Sycamore Avenue and Rosewood Avenue, just south of Hollywood. Although the building has seen better days, you can still find the fountain in the courtyard, a remnant of the grandeur of the complex's eccentric manager, Coco.
Address: 450 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Much of Twin Peaks was shot in Los Angeles, including at Ennis House - the striking interiors were featured in the show's engaging soap opera, Invitation to Love. Designed by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright in the early 1920s for Charles and Mabel Ennis, this remarkable structure was built using an impressive array of precast concrete "textile" blocks—approximately 30,000 to 40,000—showcasing an extraordinary blend of artistry and innovation.
Address: 2655 Glendower Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
Experience the allure of the iconic hotel in Los Angeles, famously showcased in Lynch’s 1990 road movie Wild at Heart. Imagine stepping into the Renaissance-inspired lobby where Nicolas Cage’s character, Sailor, bravely confronts an assassin sent to end his life. You can reserve a stay in this hotel, designed by the renowned Art Deco architect Claud Beelman in a stunning Gothic Revival style.
Address: 607 S Park View St, Los Angeles, CA 90057, USA
This iconic theatre is the captivating backdrop for the enigmatic nightclub Club Silencio. In this setting, Lynch’s camera takes us alongside Betty and Rita as they enter through a hidden back entrance, revealing a woman singing in Spanish. This intriguing club was actually shot across two historic downtown LA theatres. The main entrance of Club Silencio, situated in a back alley, was ingeniously created at the stage door of the Palace Theatre. At the same time, its mesmerising interior comes from the Tower Theatre, which opened in 1927 as the very first movie theatre in Los Angeles equipped for film sound. Lynch creatively revisited this location in his return to Twin Peaks in 2017, where it featured prominently in the episode “Part 8”.
Address: 802 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014, United States