For fans of Twin Peaks (the original 1990s TV series, the film prequel Fire Walk with Me, and its 2017 revival The Return), the search for answers never really ends. As a co-creator with Mark Frost, Lynch imbued the Twin Peaks universe with his trademark surrealism and dream logic. The debut of the show launched a million late-night dorm room conversations debating the symbolism and precise meaning of events—conversations that continue to this day.
William Dickerson, a successful filmmaker, author, and teacher, brings that familiar fan energy to THE TAO OF TWIN PEAKS—diving into a study of the symbols and recurring themes of the show with sincerity and plenty of research. But he also brings his knowledge of the technical aspects of film, commenting on specific decisions Lynch made (regarding set design, sound design, lighting, and cinematography) that non-filmmakers might not have noticed. The combination results in a particularly effective study of the pop-culture phenomenon; his analysis of the direction and other creative elements offers a level of professional acumen that similarly passionate deep dives typically lack.
The book is also helped by Dickerson’s obvious knowledge of Lynch and his work, as he uses Lynch’s oeuvre and documented statements to draw conclusions about his intentions that feel sturdier than the typical “theories” people cook up when they think too hard about a TV show or film. He systematically builds a case for his interpretation of Twin Peaks and what Lynch was trying to say through these characters and this story. It converges on a particularly persuasive theory about the end of the third season and the final question (“What year is this?”) that Special Agent Dale Cooper asks.
Dickerson’s passion does occasionally overtake him, with some of his analyses going on a bit too long as he seeks to support his theories. But fans of Twin Peaks won’t mind, as that’s always been part of the fun of engaging with the universe and other fans. And Dickerson’s sincere appreciation for Lynch as an artist shines through. If you watched the series and the film and you’re still wondering what it all meant and why it made you feel the way you feel, THE TAO OF TWIN PEAKS offers a solid interpretation that might inspire a re-watch so that you can evaluate Dickerson’s arguments.
Passionate and erudite, William Dickerson’s THE TAO OF TWIN PEAKS: The Meaning Behind David Lynch’s Hit TV Series offers up an in-depth analysis of a cult TV show that fans will eat up like garmonbozia.
~ Jeff Somers for IndieReader