Twin Peaks Analysis – GTGC #37

In the late summer of 2013, we did our first Small Screen marathon. We chose three shows, and watched the first 3 episodes of each. We then discussed the show from there. The third entry in the marathon was a look at David Lynch’s small screen project, Twin Peaks. 

A Visit to Twin Peaks

In Small Screen September, we took a break from the cinema to watch some fun TV series. Dustin opted for Twin Peaks, because of course he did.

Twin Peaks only ran for two seasons, initially. In 2017, the series was resurrected on Showtime. The initial series implements elements of surrealism to tell the story of the murder of Laura Palmer. The whoddunit follows FBI Agent Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) as he navigates the peculiar surrounds of Twin Peaks.

In the early days of the show, we did things a little different. So, we start off with our quick reviews and then move into analysis.

Dalton talks about America’s fascination with small towns. Rather, he looks at it with the idea of America’s fetishization of small towns. Dalton argues that Twin Peaks is a brilliant deconstruction of the idea of the small town. Arthur looks at the the music of Twin Peaks. He looks at the use of the score and how it is weaved in and out of the diegesis of the show. Arthur argues that the music influences and foreshadows what the show does. 

Dustin brings up surrealism and Sigmund Freud. He points out that Lynch showcases food being eaten which is a coded representation of sexual relationships. He ties this back in with libidinal repression. Dustin argues that Agent Cooper is a representation of sublimation. Dustin concludes that Cooper has repressed his desires to become a better FBI agent.

After analysis, we decide whether or not to shelf the show. Then, we discuss what has us fired up in pop culture for September of 2013.

Get into it.

Timestamps

00:45 – Welcome and Introductions
02:20 – Review and Synopsis
14:05 – Analysis
39:36 – Shelf or Trash/Else or Instead
45:50 – Social Media
52:05 – Fired Up in Pop Culture
1:01:20 – Wrap Up

More Lynch Work

On episode 100, we discussed Mulholland Dr.
On Episode 250, we talked about Eraserhead

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