David Lynch’s 1977 dystopian debut Eraserhead tells the story of a young factory worker who discovers unexpectedly that he is to become a father. In typical Lynchian surrealist fashion, after moving in together the young couple struggle with the challenges and demands of becoming new parents. Lynch described the film as ‘a dream of dark and troubling things’.
The film stars Jack Nance, who would go on to be a long-term collaborator with Lynch through a recurring role as Pete Martell in Twin Peaks. Lynch created the film’s iconic score and sound design, which echoes the desolate industrial landscape in which the film is set. Despite an initially mixed reception, Eraserhead is now widely seen as a cult classic and cited by Stanley Kubrick as his favourite film, with its influence apparent in both Alien and The Shining.
Eraserhead has been selected by Helston-based psychoanalyst and DJ Tom Greenall as a tribute to the influence of Lynch’s work and life on Tom’s own practice.