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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How many minutes of film had Lynch shot before he decided to make the project a feature film?

2. The movie "Lost Highways" was partly inspired by what celebrity?

3. Where was Lynch when he learned about this misconception?

4. Which movie did the director show and claim as his favorite movie?

5. Which famous artist is referred to by Lynch?

Short Essay Questions

1. What inspiration and confirmation did Lynch receive regarding the title of the movie?

2. A popular misconception about artists is that they must know suffering and angst in order to be prolific. What does this mean? Is it an accurate statement?

3. Lynch is known for producing "dark" films. What is the common response Lynch draws from people on this subject?

4. Explain Lynch's interaction with director Stanley Kubrick.

5. Another happy accident involves the airing of Lynch's famous "Twin Peaks." Explain Lynch's story.

6. Everyone wants world peace. How does Lynch help the cause?

7. For thousands of years people have taken drugs to open the doors to their creative centers. Explain why Lynch believes it is a huge mistake to do so.

8. What are Lynch's thoughts regarding success and failure?

9. How do people typically react toward someone that practices TM?

10. Why does Lynch vehemently object to directors adding commentary to their films?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the biggest myths in the artistic world is that drugs inspire creativity. Lynch asserts that it is not true. While it may seem to be true on the surface, the truth is that drugs limit one's creativity and also take a serious toll on one's nervous system. The result of taking the drugs is that it saps the creativity, leaving the person without anything to give to his art. Discuss this scientific theory. How does Lynch tap into the creativity sought by those who try to get to it through drugs? What positive and healthy method does Lynch use to release the creativity on a consistent basis? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

The author discusses an unusual incident with Polish actor and friend Krzysztof Majchrzak. Why did Lynch bring Majchrzak into the shoot? What did Majchrzak have to offer than American actors did not? Who/what arrived along with Majchrzak? Discuss the scene in which Lynch had to dissuade Majchrzak from wearing the strange sunglasses. What was the compromise? What was the final result of Lynch's work with Majchrzak?

Essay Topic 3

Lynch is a big believer in "happy accidents." Explore the concept of happy accidents. What does Lynch mean? Discuss some of the examples cited by Lynch in the book. Do you think the incidents were really happy accidents or opportunities presenting themselves at the appropriate time? Do you believe in accidents? How might things work out differently for Lynch if the happy accidents ceased to exist? Explain.

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