Wild at Heart in 35mm

Wild at Heart in 35mm

On January 15, 2025, the world said goodbye to a singular filmmaker, writer, artist, and musician when David Lynch passed away at the age of 78 in Los Angeles. As countless loved ones and fans shared cherished memories and thoughts about the deeply influential filmmaker, those who understand his impact also took comfort in knowing his work will continue to inspire—and perplex—generations to come. In honor of Lynch’s distinct career and in memory of his life, the Academy Museum celebrates Valentine’s Day with a 35mm screening of one of his most romantic films, Wild at Heart.

Though Lynch claimed most of his movies were inspired by The Wizard of Oz, he intentionally references the classic film’s key themes and images most intentionally in this adaptation of Barry Gifford’s novel, working in visual nods to the ruby-red slippers and the Witch of the East’s black pointed shoes, and even dialogue about the yellow brick road. The writer-director’s hyperviolent, gritty homage to L. Frank Baum’s fantastical story follows Lula Fortune (Laura Dern) and Sailor Ripley (Nicolas Cage), two lovers reunited after Sailor serves time for manslaughter. On a trip to California that breaks Sailor’s parole, the couple encounters various obstacles and characters who try to interfere with destiny along their path—a journey Lynch described as “finding love in Hell.” Recipient of the Palme d’Or at the 1990 Cannes Film Festival, Wild at Heart has lost none of its raucous energy and rebellious, romantic spirit in the 35 years since its original release.

Programmed and note by K.J. Relth-Miller.

DIRECTED/WRITTEN BY: David Lynch. WITH: Nicolas Cage, Laura Dern, Willem Dafoe, J. E. Freeman. 1990. 125 min. USA. Color. English. Rated R. 35mm. Print courtesy of the Joe Dante, Jon Davison, Tim Hunter Collection at the Academy Film Archive.

Academy Museum film programming generously funded by the Richard Roth Foundation. 

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