How Naomi Watts Was Cast in 'Mulholland Dr.'

Director David Lynch and Naomi Watts discuss the surreal 2001 film "Mulholland Dr.," which is getting a Blu-ray and DVD release from the Criterion Collection on Oct. 27. Photo: Everett Collection

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[jolinerz]

i really need to thank David Lynch to discover Naomi Watts. she is a real genuine talent

[arontamas]

Naomi is very underrated, she always was, she gave such powerhouse performances in Mulholland dr. and 21 grams that they should be taught in acting schools!

[andrewbrendan]

As Mr. Lynch talks about casting Naomi Watts for "Mulholland Drive" it sounds like he had a "This is the girl" moment!

[novaonpluto]

I love the way he casts people, it sounds truly genuine and thought-through about the expectations he has for his characters.

[nateblack]

I think Naomi is and always has been under-rated, just like most of my favorites ❤

[nicky]

Lynch looks as innocent as his mind is twisted lol.

[Zombiesnyder]

I was pretty sure he was gonna say "this is the girl"

[aleksandarlakovic]

Best director and most beautiful actress in the world.

[mikeydashank]

"I never make them audition a scene, ever"
That kind of blew my mind, but it's Lynch so how can I be surprised? He just goes by gut feelings and such, through conversation and observation. He is so cool. Also Mulholland Drive is still my favorite Lynch film! And I've seen them all 😎

[fart]

I think people could interpret him asking her to return with makeup as insulting or sexist but, to me at least it comes off as lynch having an idea of what the character looks like in his mind and Naomi now doesn't match that.

[helium]

She did a great job. I love her movies. It takes a lot to sell a movie and the acting has to be there. Just about any movie she's in turns out good. She brings a lot of class to her films. There's something really classy about a lot of Australian actresses.

[Bootmahoy]

She is a great talent and utterly unique. It makes wonderful sense that it was David Lynch who discovered her.

[vvun]

Imagine being disappointed by how ~1999 Naomi Watts looks

[You-vzjh]

Naomi Watts was cast because of her appearance similar to Bulle Ogier (Duelle, Out1), a favourite of auteur Jacques Rivette whose Celine and Julie Go Boating, among others have inspired Lynch's oeuvres. They have similarities in themes like questioning identities/purposes/motivation, surrealism and multifarious dualities.

[sourcreampudding]

This is NOT the girl. Come back with make up on.

[morristonian]

I long for a woman that laughs like not many around believe me.

[Sandra-hcvo]

actually that is really interesting. i feel like here he was unsure about her but then decided to go with it and take somewhat of a real big risk but it worked out well.

[onedecimaleight]

Ok Irene, won't that be the day.

[diegoyotta]

David Lynch: a cow licked my head
Barber: you got it homie

[AnnaLVajda]

So funny his reaction. I imagine that's what people who date online then meet the person are like you don't look like your profile picture lol.