The Influence of Marilyn Monroe on David Lynch, from ‘Twin Peaks’ to ‘Mulholland Drive’

Article Summary

David Lynch's interest in Marilyn Monroe goes beyond her appearance, with him originally planning to make a movie about her life and incorporating her into Twin Peaks.

Marilyn Monroe's enigmatic nature and the disillusionment of the American Dream served as inspiration for the character of Laura Palmer in Twin Peaks. Additionally, David Lynch's film Mulholland Drive, which was initially intended as a Twin Peaks spinoff, explores the dark underbelly of the movie industry and incorporates the struggles faced by Monroe.

David Lynch, the surrealist and innovative filmmaker, has captivated devoted fans for decades. His groundbreaking works like the popular '90s TV show Twin Peaks and the mind-bending 2001 movie Mulholland Drive, featuring Naomi Watts, have solidified his reputation. What may come as a surprise to many is that the iconic actress Marilyn Monroe, known for her conventional Hollywood roles during the golden age, served as a key inspiration for Lynch's creations. By delving into Lynch's films, one can uncover the profound influence and relevance of Monroe's legacy to his themes. Remarkably, from an unreleased film to protagonists who embody Monroe's essence beyond their appearance, Lynch has a fascinating history of using the legendary star as his muse.

Twin Peaks

An idiosyncratic FBI agent investigates the murder of a young woman in the even more idiosyncratic town of Twin Peaks.

Release Date April 8, 1990Cast Kyle MacLachlan, Sheryl Lee, Mädchen Amick, Kimmy Robertson, Dana AshbrookGenres Crime, Drama, Fantasy, HorrorSeasons 3

David Lynch Wanted To Make a Movie About Marilyn Monroe

Lynch's fascination with Monroe's life surpassed expectations when he conceived an entire film centered around the beloved actress. Teaming up with Mark Frost, who would later co-create Twin Peaks, Lynch worked on adapting the biography Goddess: The Secret Lives of Marilyn Monroe. This book delves into the highs, lows, secrets, and conspiracies surrounding Monroe's life, and was written by journalist Anthony Summers, who later provided the tapes for the Netflix documentary, The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes. Summers' deep understanding of Monroe's experiences begs the question of whether Lynch and Frost's project, had it come to fruition, would have been a more accurate and respectful portrayal compared to the controversial film Blonde.

Unfortunately, despite the efforts and remarkable source material, the Goddess adaptation was never realized. Far Out Magazine reports that doubts about the script led to the project's cancellation. However, Lynch's initial setback ultimately paved the way for him to heavily incorporate Monroe's influence into a key character in Twin Peaks.

Who Did Marilyn Monroe Inspire in 'Twin Peaks'?

Twin Peaks centers around the enigma of Laura Palmer's death, as investigated by FBI agent Dale Cooper in the quaint town of Twin Peaks, Washington. This series, known for its bizarre and surreal narrative, revolutionized the way TV shows operated, igniting imagination across the globe. Notably, director David Lynch draws inspiration from Marilyn Monroe, as he revealed in his memoir. Lynch affirmed that Monroe served as the underlying influence for the character of Laura Palmer, stating, "You could say that Laura Palmer is Marilyn Monroe." In retrospect, this connection is evident; both Monroe and Palmer were young blondes who became symbols of aspiration during their lifetimes. Yet, they also possessed an elusive quality that surrounded their untimely demises. Their captivating allure masks the secrets that lie beneath their fresh-faced beauty, ultimately exposing the façade of the American Dream.

How Is 'Mulholland Drive' Connected to 'Twin Peaks'? (And Marilyn Monroe?)

Image Via Universal Pictures

Twin Peaks was not the only example of David Lynch portraying Monroe. However, understanding her role in Mulholland Drive requires knowledge of how Lynch's previous TV show influenced the movie's conception. Initially, Mulholland Drive was planned as a spinoff of Twin Peaks, with the intention of answering questions about Audrey Horne while placing her in a Hollywood setting. Eventually, though, Naomi Watts replaced Audrey with a new character, creating a separate film that was not directly tied to the TV show. Despite these changes, the influence of Twin Peaks is evident in Monroe's second representation by Lynch.

Watts' character, Diane Selwyn, is a blonde aspiring Hollywood actress driven by ambition. She faces hardships such as exploitative relationships, undervaluation as an artist, and unattainable goals. These experiences can be interpreted as reflecting Monroe's own struggles in her Hollywood career, where she faced restrictive contracts and typecast roles. However, it's important to note that Monroe achieved success by founding her own production company and accomplishing other significant feats. Therefore, it may be more accurate to view Mulholland Drive as using Monroe's iconic image to explore a dark aspect of the movie industry rather than making a definitive statement about her artistic life.

'Twin Peaks' and 'Mulholland Drive' Show Marilyn Monroe's Legacy

Image via ABC

David Lynch's films and TV shows are renowned for their unmistakably strange and often enigmatic nature. The themes and underlying messages within these expertly crafted works function like intricate codes, requiring the viewer to interpret and decipher their meaning. Whether it's the enigmatic dreams of Agent Cooper set in a variety of eerie red locations in Twin Peaks, or the surreal performances unfolding in the mysterious "Club Silencio" in Mulholland Drive, Lynch's boundless imagination produces a wealth of unsettling material.

What sets Lynch's work apart is how this oddity further reinforces the themes surrounding his Monroe-inspired female characters. The dreamlike and even nightmarish quality that permeates his works adds to the ambiguity surrounding these lead figures, reflecting the mysteries encapsulating Marilyn Monroe's own life. Just as viewers grapple with the enigma of Laura Palmer's death or attempt to untangle the overlapping identities in Mulholland Drive, our enduring fascination with the immortalized image of Marilyn herself mirrors this ongoing quest for understanding. In doing so, Lynch effectively dismantles the American Dream and critiques the darker aspects of Hollywood, unmasking the harmful elements lurking beneath our idealized fantasies.

The characters of Laura Palmer and Diane Selwyn serve as subtle tributes, underscoring Marilyn Monroe's enduring cultural relevance in today's era. Lynch's peculiar creations, which challenge the traditional American Dream, effectively utilize Monroe's versatile persona and relatable life experiences.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I find it intriguing to explore the influence of Marilyn Monroe on David Lynch's works, particularly in "Twin Peaks" and "Mulholland Drive." Lynch's fascination with Monroe extends beyond her physical appearance, delving into the disillusionment and dark underbelly of the entertainment industry. The enigmatic nature of Monroe and the tragedy surrounding her life resonate with Lynch's surrealist and often unsettling storytelling style.

The character of Laura Palmer in "Twin Peaks" embodies the influence of Monroe. Both women are blonde, beautiful, and objects of desire, yet they conceal hidden depths and complexities. Through Laura Palmer, Lynch explores the dark side of small-town America and the illusion of innocence. The murder of Laura Palmer becomes a catalyst for uncovering the secrets and hypocrisies that lie beneath the surface of Twin Peaks, much like the scandals and mysteries surrounding Monroe's life and death.