Eraserhead Reviews

Surrealist masterpiece

I have been a huge fan of David Lynch for quite some time, and for some reason had just never gotten round to Eraserhead. Well I was not disappointed at all, it was nothing short of breathtaking. It carries a lot of familiar Lynch hallmarks, and fans should find it easily identifiable as the work of the enigmatic director. Of particular importance in this film are the stark and beautiful monochromatic images spewed onto the screen at a dizzying rate. When the film really hits its stride it can seem quite unsettling and often disturbing. Like any Lynch film there are enough obscure happenings and images to form your own opinions with regards to plot and narrative, but chiefly the film works best in its relentless mood and sensory overload. The sound is also used well, mirroring the industrial backdrop with a constant whirring, clanking ambience, which, along with the visuals give an oppressive feel to the film. The scene when Henry meets the 'Lady in the Radiator', and the final act are flawless in style and execution, and will stay with you long after viewing. Overall, if you are a fan of David Lynch you will love it, if not, it's probably not the best place to start but who knows!

Oh yeah.

Fantastically disturbing. Disturbing, disturbing, disturbing, disturbing. And very, very, very funny. Oh, and did I mention it's disturbing? A must see, if you like disturbing, funny films. Disturbing.

unique, surreal, fascinating

There are very few films that can be compared to "Eraserhead". Perhaps elements of "Cocteau" or "Bunuel" but not particularly close.

"Eraserhead" is a voyage into a nightmare, monochrome industrial world where sanity has no foundation. Our protagonist manouvres thorugh a world of darkness and confusion, encountering his lover's deranged family, miniature chickens and mutant babies, singing radiators and lurid neighbours... It's all in a night's work.

Lead role played by the wonderful Jack Nance who appeared in Lynch's later works "Wild at Heart" and "Twin Peaks".

If the word "surreal" ever gets mentioned in casual conversation again, this film is what they mean.

Has it finished yet?

In it's time, it may have been classed as disturbing. Now, the only thing that's disturbing, is that I actually watched it 'till the end.

Stifle a Yawn

As a piece of cinema designed to make the viewer uneasy, uncomfortable and agitated, Eraserhead probably works for the majority who see it.

Unfortunately I found it extremely tedious to watch. Very very boring.

don't ...

Dreadful. There really is no other way accurately to describe this strange concoction. Luckily this film was merely 'work in progress' and 'David Lynch' used it to practice the art of filmmaking; no doubt discovering along the way that pretentiousness will lead filmgoers to forget the story of the Emperor's new clothes.

Really, really a waste of time and attention. Bear in mind that there are so many films, and so little time ...

In Heaven, Everything Is Fine

How, how, how, how, how many roads... Sorry - I meant how, how, how to rate this film? I just don't know.

It's dark, challenging, disturbing - very disturbing, haunting, confusing and enduring.

See it, even if just to make up your own mind. It really is wierd. With a capital 'wee'.

(owners of the Pixies b-sides CD are in for a treat - the origin of track 3)

How I wasted over 1.5 hours of my life!

Unless you are a film student steer well clear of this self indulgent nonsense.

At the end of the film you are left wondering why it rates so highly in top 100 films of all time. I can only imagine it is because film school types have put the list together.

The film may be a huge departure from the style of other films of the time and there may have been some new and innovative tecniques used to make it but sadly charicterisation and plot are so close to non existant that it doesn't matter.

Don't Believe the Hype!

Please please please.... don't believe the hype!!! This has to be THEE worst film i have EVER seen! Its slow, makes little to no sense, and is just completely barmy!

Why would anyone put themselves through this utter rubbish i don't know! But stay away you must! I wouldn't force this film on my worst enemies!

Never have i been compelled to tell the world that they are sooo wrong about a film, than i am with this one!

Don't believe the Hype... just run away from it as far as you can!!

[Highly rated reviewer]

Utter rubbish, but a classic!

As a watchable film, this is useless, but as an exercise in manic, far out themes, brought to life in cinema, well, it’s pretty useless too!

Basically, a shocker of a film, devoid of any integrity, yet totally amazing.

A true classic, sure the scenes DO makes sense, IF you have the theories, and really Lynch should’ve provided a user manual for this film!

For example, the radiator signifies the 'presence of god', the socks on the floor, represent something else (yes really!).

All very good, but kind of meaningless for the viewer.

A truly remarkable film, simply for the fact that this is the sole work of one mans imagination.

A must see despite the above comments, as its not really a motion picture, but a lesson in mind control!

Some very funny scenes, that are fundamentally weird and funny at the same time, and some very deep anxieties into the sickness of our modern world and human nature.

Brilliant sound. Brilliant artwork. Brilliant lighting, framing, and field of view.

A classic.