David Lynch’s transition into film-making
arised from his paintings, as he wanted his
paintings to move.
Similar to Klein, Lynch aspired to be a painter
and studied Fine Art.
In his second year of study, Lynch produced
his first film called Six Figures Getting
Sick (1966).
He entered it into an experimental painting
and sculpture contest where it was shown on
exhibition and awarded a prize.
Later, Lynch completed The Alphabet (1968),
gaining recognition and receiving an American
Film Institute grant for his next film, The
Grandmother (1970).
Thereafter it was suggested he apply for a
grant to the Institute of Advanced Film Studies,
and was accepted.
He moved to California in 1970, and entered
the world of cinema.
In 1977, Lynch featured his first film called,
Eraser-head, portraying strong contrasts of
light and dark through his study of chiaroscuro
and psychology.
The film was prized at film festivals and
gained a following.
It received positive reviews from the midnight
film cult circuit attracting attention from
Hollywood, and being offered the chance to
direct The Elephant Man by Mel Brooks.The
film was a success earning Oscar nominations
and Hollywood credibility.
Lynch received many offers for various projects
within cinema, television and short films
throughout his career making a name for himself.
While transitioning from photography to film,
Robert Frank started making short films leading
to documentary films.
He made and directed his first short film
in 1959.
As Frank was originally from Switzerland,
he found interest in American culture, observing
their way of life through a lens.
Frank was always on the move, traveling and
observing; aspiring to capture things that
move.
Art and photography have always been a part
of William Klein’s earlier life transitioning
into film-making.
Klein won his first camera in a poker game
while serving in the U.S. army.
He was later discharged and decided to study
Fine Art through receiving a government grant.
It wasn’t until the age of twenty-six did
Klein start taking photographs and making
a name for himself.
Just like Frank, Klein also found interest
in America, making his first book, (Life is
Good & Good for You in New York), later leading
him to make his first film, Broadway by Light.
Just like Klein, David Lynch studied Fine
Art with an interest in painting, transitioning
to film-making.
Lynch wanted his paintings to move, therefore
bringing his work to life and produced his
first film called Six Figures Getting Sick
(1966).
Lynch continued with the medium, producing
The Alphabet (1968), which gained recognition
and a grant to produce his next film.
This allowed David Lynch to continue in film
studies and pursue a life in cinema.
Frank, Klein and Lynch had an interest in
art, their passion lead them to transition
to film-making.
Frank and Klein were quite similar in observing
the world around them through a lens, capturing
moments in time.
While Lynch wanted his paintings to move,
producing work in motion.
