Blog Post: A Deep Dive into Cult-Classic ‘Twin Peaks’ - and why it deserves that title.
David Lynch’s Twin Peaks has long remained a cult-classic. Taking the murder mystery trope and quite literally turning it on its head, Lynch’s surrealist escapade is one of the most visually and cinematically alluring television shows of the nineties.
Many have questioned why such a show has gained a cult following, but to me it’s quite obvious. Although at times Twin Peaks takes liberties when it comes to the plot of the show, the surrealist landscape in which it surrounds itself is one that has yet to be replicated in contemporary television. Throughout this particular post, I will discuss the excellence of this show and why it deserves its cult-classic title.
Firstly, even if you have yet to watch the show, you are probably familiar with the visual aesthetic of the show itself. The visual aesthetic of Twin Peaks reveals much about its uniqueness and also the surrealist undertones attached to the show. Twin Peaks immediately engages the audience through the visuals alone. It is the culmination of the cinematography, aspect ratio and the colour palette that make it one of the most visually enticing shows of its era. The aspect ratio incorporated within the show is intriguing for contemporary viewers - the 4x4 ratio has become practically obsolete within modern television. Immediately, the audience are greeted with something so reminiscent of nineties culture and television. Accompanying this, the colour palette within the frame elevates this nineties nostalgic feel. Each frame has a sepia-toned colour palette which elevates the autumnal aesthetic of the show. Each of these elements work perfectly in tandem to create such a visually beguiling show. Twin Peaks and the visual aesthetics it incorporates have remained nonpareil within contemporary television - not many television shows have accurately replicated this particular aesthetic as it is so synonymously attached with the show itself.
In addition to this, one of the greatest aspects of the show is the beloved and memorable characters it creates. David Lynch and Mark Frost constructed some of the most entrancing, eccentric and quirky characters that have become one of the most recognisable features of the show. From Dale Cooper to the Log Lady, each character within the show is both idiosyncratic and multi-dimensional. There is an array of characters within the show, each with their own interesting storyline and multidimensional characteristics and features. Although the show exists within a surrealist landscape, the imperfect nature of the characters strengthens the overall verisimilitude of the show while also reflecting that of real-life. These imperfect yet highly loveable characters are what make the show so resonant and memorable. It could be a one-liner delivered by Audrey Horne or the trajectory of Nadine Hurley’s storyline - every character contributes greatly to the overall enjoyment and appreciation of the show.
Overall, David Lynch and Mark Frost’s surrealist experiment in the form of Twin Peaks undoubtedly deserves its title of ‘cult-classic.’ Whether you are a fan of the show or are yet to watch an episode, Twin Peaks will certainly ruminate within your mind long after the credits have finished rolling. If you are looking for a new show that embodies idiosyncrasy in every sense of the word, Twin Peaks should be added to your list.