The genesis of David Lynch's unique vision, and his cult horror feature debut.

Lynch's early films owe more to the traditions of the European avant-gardes than to the guerrilla style adopted by the American underground filmmakers of the 1960s. Having impressed with The Grandmother, Lynch joined the Centre for Advanced Film Studies in LA where he took five years to produce his legendary cult horror about an anxious young man struggling with his crushing industrial environment and the premature birth of his mutant child. As MFB put it, an 'absurdist, surrealist treat of repulsive beauty'. Plus The Grandmother (1970, 34min), The Amputee (1973, 5min) and The Alphabet (1968, 4min).

................................................................................................................... COMPETITION: Win 1x Pair of tickets to attend David Lynch: 'Eraserhead' + Early Shorts at the NFT 1, BFI Southbank at 20:30 on 7th February.To claim your tickets, send an email to Jamie at jamie@run-riot.com with the correct answer in the ‘subject’ box. The winner will be randomly selected.

Q: Which George Lucas film was Lynch invited to direct - but subsequently declined the offer?
A: .1) Jaws .2) E.T. .3) Willow .4) Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi