David Lynch is among the most gifted directors. Lynch has always been an innovator, and his stories have been twisted to jolt viewers to their very core with powerful thrills. The director is known for his critically acclaimed films Eraserhead, Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive, Inland Empire, and Twin Peaks, a mystery thriller starring Kyle MacLachlan. We now have some unfortunate news, though, as the well-known director is too sick to be in charge in person.
David Lynch Can No Longer Leave House
David Lynch in David Lynch: The Art Life. Image Credit: Film Constellation
Renowned filmmaker David Lynch recently shared a personal health update that is quite a shock to all the cine lovers. In a candid interview, he shared that he has been diagnosed with emphysema, a condition that has severely restricted his ability to direct in person.
Lynch, who has a long history of smoking, revealed that his diagnosis has made it impossible for him to leave his home. He expressed his concern about the heightened risk of contracting COVID-19 due to his compromised respiratory system.
“I’ve gotten emphysema from smoking for so long and so I’m homebound whether I like it or not. … And now, because of COVID, it would be very bad for me to get sick, even with a cold,” Lynch stated in an interview with Sight and Sound, as reported by The Independent. The filmmaker mentioned that his ability to walk is severely limited, noting he can only walk short distances before running out of oxygen.
Future of David Lynch’s Directing Career
David Lynch. Image Credit: _titi/CC
The diagnosis has also cast doubt on Lynch’s future as a film director. He mentioned the possibility of directing remotely if necessary, although he admitted it was not his preferred method. “I would do it remotely if it comes to it,” he said. “I wouldn’t like that so much.” Despite this, Lynch reassured his fans that he had no intention of retiring. He addressed his followers directly, acknowledging their concerns and offering an optimistic outlook on his situation.
“Yes, I have emphysema from my many years of smoking,” he wrote in a statement. “I have to say that I enjoyed smoking very much, and I do love tobacco — the smell of it, lighting cigarettes on fire, smoking them — but there is a price to pay for this enjoyment, and the price for me is emphysema. I have now quit smoking for over two years. Recently I had many tests and the good news is that I am in excellent shape except for emphysema. I am filled with happiness, and I will never retire. I want you all to know that I really appreciate your concern.”
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Yes, I have emphysema from my many years of smoking. I have to say that I enjoyed smoking very much, and I do love tobacco – the smell of it, lighting cigarettes on fire, smoking them – but there is a price to pay for this enjoyment, and the price for me is…
— David Lynch (@DAVID_LYNCH) August 5, 2024
David Lynch’s contribution to cinema and television remains unparalleled. His last major project was the highly acclaimed Twin Peaks: The Return on Showtime in 2017. This revival of the groundbreaking ABC series received widespread praise from both critics and fans.
Despite the challenges posed by his health, Lynch’s passion for his craft and his commitment to his fans continue to shine through. His determination to adapt and continue creating, even under restrictive conditions, speaks volumes about his dedication to the art of filmmaking.
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Lynch, whose last feature film was Inland Empire, stated elsewhere in the Sight and Sound interview that he is still “hopeful” that his 2010 screenplay, Antelope Don’t Run No More, will be adapted for the big screen. “We don’t know what the future will bring,” he said.
