In the Criterion Closet, all is well… As his latest cinematic masterpiece, The Shrouds, becomes available for streaming exclusively on The Criterion Channel, acclaimed filmmaker David Cronenberg took a moment to explore the iconic Criterion Closet. During his visit, he curated a selection of essential international films that every cinephile should experience. Among his choices, he paid homage to another legendary director, David Lynch, by selecting Eraserhead and reminiscing about the late visionary’s remarkable contributions to cinema.
As Cronenberg retrieved Lynch’s groundbreaking debut feature, 1977’s Eraserhead, from the shelves, he expressed that the film is “deeply American, tackling fascinatingly sublime themes about American culture, the American ethos, and the zeitgeist—elements you won’t find in typical Hollywood productions, nor in European cinema.” Cronenberg also reflected on his unique position in the film industry, noting that his Canadian heritage places him at a crossroads between American and European cinema.
At the time of Eraserhead’s release, Cronenberg was already on the rise in his career, with his fourth feature, Rabid, debuting just a month later. The influence of Lynch’s work was undeniable—after all, doesn’t the surreal baby from Eraserhead seem like it could belong in a Cronenberg universe? “This film is incredibly special to me. While I can’t claim it was a direct influence, as I was already creating films at that point, it certainly held significance in my development as a filmmaker. I had the pleasure of knowing David personally; we shared great times, including lunches at Bob’s Big Boy, enjoying hamburgers and engaging in insightful conversations. It’s a tragedy that he left us too soon.” Tragically, Lynch passed away earlier this year at the age of 78, while Cronenberg continues to inspire at 82.
Interestingly, Eraserhead holds the distinction of being David Lynch’s debut film in The Criterion Collection, designated as spine #725. On the other hand, David Cronenberg made his mark with Dead Ringers, which is spine #21. As of now, seven of Lynch’s ten feature films are included in this esteemed collection, while Cronenberg has six films represented, with the most recent addition being Crash (spine #1059).
Demonstrating his admiration for global cinema, Cronenberg also selected Italy’s La Strada, the U.K.’s Odd Man Out, along with a comprehensive box set showcasing the works of renowned Swedish director Ingmar Bergman.
Which visionary filmmaker captures your interest more: Lynch or Cronenberg? We invite you to share your thoughts and favorite films from their illustrious careers in the comments section below.
