Herzog on the difficult contact with David Lynch and meditation
In the world of cinema, the lines between art and philosophy often blur, and the personal connections between creators can become deeply intertwined with their spiritual journeys. This dynamic is beautifully explored in Werner Herzog’s forthcoming film, Bucking Fastard, a project dedicated to the late David Lynch.
The making of the film delves into a true story of twin sisters, Joan and Jean, and brings to life the compelling reality of real-life sisters Kate and Rooney Mara. This narrative anchors Herzog’s vision in a poignant exploration of shared experience and enduring bonds.
Beyond the screen, the story of Herzog and Lynch offers a fascinating glimpse into the complex relationship between artistic creation and inner life. Herzog recently reflected on how contact with Lynch, a figure who redefined cinema, became more nuanced in his later years, largely due to his deep commitment to transcendental meditation.
Herzog shared that while there was a profound respect for each other’s work, the shift in their connection was tied to their divergent paths. He noted that the later years brought a change in interaction, observing that Lynch had moved “completely into transcendental meditation.”
This spiritual immersion was not just a private pursuit for Lynch; it was a transformative journey. Lynch began practicing transcendental meditation in 1973, finding that it provided him with access to “pure consciousness” and enabled him to tap into “unlimited reserves of energy, creativity and happiness.”
Lynch used his newfound practice to launch a larger initiative, unveiling plans for a multi-million dollar mental health program designed to inspire others to become “advanced peace-creating meditation experts and build a legacy of lasting global peace.”
Herzog recalled the intimacy of their shared creative world, admitting that he wished Lynch had been the first to watch his new film. However, the path of meditation created a different kind of space for connection. Herzog observed that in those final years, conversations shifted; the focus moved away from external world concerns toward inner peace and meditation.
The story of Bucking Fastard, which recently debuted at the Venice Film Festival, stands as a testament to the powerful intersection of personal experience, artistic vision, and the search for deeper meaning.
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