Mulholland Drive (2001)
David Lynch's labyrinthine neo-noir plunges deep into Hollywood's dream machinery, where identity dissolves and desire turns lethal.
Mulholland Drive - Movie Information
- Original Title: Mulholland Drive
- Release Year: 2001
- Directed by: David Lynch
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Thriller, Drama, Mystery
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 2h 27m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: Spanish, English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 6, 2001 (France - U), October 19, 2001 (United States - R), October 26, 2001 (Canada - 18A), January 4, 2002 (United Kingdom - 15), January 2, 2002 (Germany - 16), December 21, 2001 (Australia - MA 15+), June 21, 2002 (Brazil - 16), October 18, 2002 (Mexico - C), February 15, 2002 (Italy - T), March 8, 2002 (Spain - 18), November 30, 2001 (South Korea - 19)
- Alternative Titles: Cidade dos Sonhos (BR), Mulholland Drive (ES), 멀홀랜드 드라이브 (KR), Малголленд Драйв (UA), Mulholland Çıkmazı (TR), Mulholland Drive - A sötétség útja (HU), Մալհոլանդ դրայվ (AM), El Camino de los Sueños (CO)
- Production Companies: StudioCanal, Les Films Alain Sarde, Asymmetrical Productions, Babbo
- Production Countries: France, United States of America
Mulholland Drive - Plot
Blonde Betty Elms has only just arrived in Hollywood to become a movie star when she meets an enigmatic brunette with amnesia. Meanwhile, as the two set off to solve the second woman's identity, filmmaker Adam Kesher runs into ominous trouble while casting his latest project.
Mulholland Drive - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and step into Lynch's haunting vision of Hollywood:
A love story in the city of dreams.
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Mulholland Drive - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- David Lynch
Main Cast
- Naomi Watts
- Laura Harring
- Justin Theroux
- Ann Miller
- Mark Pellegrino
- Robert Forster
- Dan Hedaya
- Angelo Badalamenti
- Patrick Fischler
- Brent Briscoe
Writers
- David Lynch
Producers
- Alain Sarde
- Mary Sweeney
- Neal Edelstein
- Tony Krantz
- Michael Polaire
Mulholland Drive - FAQs
What does the ending of Mulholland Drive mean?
The film's second half is widely interpreted as the bitter reality underlying Betty's dream. Diane Selwyn, a failed actress consumed by jealousy and guilt over hiring a hitman to kill Camilla Rhodes, retreats into a fantasy where she is the heroic Betty. The blue box and key symbolize the unlocking of repressed truth, culminating in psychological collapse.
Is Mulholland Drive based on a true story?
Mulholland Drive is not based on a true story. David Lynch developed it from a failed ABC television pilot, expanding it into a feature film. The story is entirely fictional, though it draws on Lynch's personal fascination with Hollywood's dark underbelly, dreams, identity, and the corrosive effects of ambition and desire.
Where can you stream or watch Mulholland Drive?
Mulholland Drive is available to rent or buy digitally on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Streaming availability may vary by region. Check JustWatch for the most current and comprehensive list of viewing options available in your area.
Who are the main actors in Mulholland Drive?
Mulholland Drive stars Naomi Watts as Betty Elms/Diane Selwyn and Laura Harring as Rita/Camilla Rhodes in the two central roles. The supporting cast includes Justin Theroux as filmmaker Adam, Ann Miller as Coco, Mark Pellegrino, Robert Forster, Dan Hedaya, Angelo Badalamenti, Patrick Fischler, and Brent Briscoe.
What is Mulholland Drive about?
Mulholland Drive follows bright-eyed aspiring actress Betty Elms, newly arrived in Hollywood, who befriends an amnesiac woman calling herself Rita. Together they investigate Rita's true identity. Simultaneously, director Adam Kesher faces mysterious forces sabotaging his film. Lynch weaves these threads into a hypnotic meditation on illusion, desire, and Hollywood's crushing machinery.
Did Mulholland Drive win any major awards?
David Lynch won the Best Director prize at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival for Mulholland Drive, sharing the honor with Joel Coen. The film also earned Lynch an Academy Award nomination for Best Director. It has since been ranked among the greatest films ever made by numerous critical polls worldwide.
How long is Mulholland Drive?
Mulholland Drive has a runtime of 2 hours and 27 minutes (147 minutes). The film's extended length allows David Lynch to build an immersive, dreamlike atmosphere, layering mysteries and surreal sequences that reward patient, attentive viewing.
What is the age rating for Mulholland Drive?
Mulholland Drive is rated R in the United States, reflecting its adult content including sexuality, nudity, violence, and disturbing psychological imagery. Other territories assigned their own ratings: 15 in the UK, 16 in Germany, 18 in Spain, and MA 15+ in Australia.
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