David Lynch’s Obsession With ‘The Wizard Of Oz’ Turned Into An Entire Documentary

David Lynch’s love for The Wizard of Oz is no secret, and it has inspired an entire documentary, Lynch/Oz, that celebrates how this iconic movie influenced Lynch’s entire career. Streaming on Kanopy since May 15, 2023, this 108-minute film uncovers the mysterious connection between The Wizard of Oz and Lynch’s strange, often surreal storytelling.

Rather than providing straightforward answers, Lynch/Oz follows Lynch’s style by keeping things mysterious. Just like his films, the documentary leaves plenty for viewers to explore and interpret, capturing the same allure that has drawn fans to his work for decades.

Which of his movies did David Lynch reference ‘Wizard of Oz’ in?

Lynch’s 1990 film Wild at Heart is packed with references to The Wizard of Oz. From the characters to the imagery, the film pays homage to the classic in a way only Lynch can. In Wild at Heart, Sheryl Lee plays the Good Witch, descending from the sky in a pink orb.

The protagonists, Sailor, played by Nicolas Cage, and Lula, played by Laura Derb, reference Oz multiple times — Lula even taps her red heels together, mimicking Dorothy’s iconic move. The film also features Diane Ladd as the Wicked Witch, a scheming mother who causes trouble for the couple.

What is the documentary ‘Lynch/Oz’ about?

Lynch/Oz explores the profound effect The Wizard of Oz has had on David Lynch’s work. The idea for the documentary came from a comment Lynch made during a 2001 Q&A at the New York Film Festival. The documentary breaks down Lynch’s films into six chapters, each narrated by a different filmmaker or critic, including Karyn Kusama, Rodney Ascher, and John Waters.

The chapters provide fresh insights into the connections between Lynch’s unique surrealism and the strange magic of The Wizard of Oz. Full of film clips and expert commentary, Lynch/Oz draws clear lines between both, shedding light on the subtle yet significant influence Oz has had on Lynch’s art.