DAVID LYNCH’S MONOLOGUES: DISRUPTION OF NETWORK TELEVISION NORMS

JEZIK, KNJIŽEVNOST I DIJALOG (2024): 176–187

AUTHOR(S) / АУТОР(И): Irena Jurković

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DOI: 10.46793/LLD24.176J

ABSTRACT / САЖЕТАК:

The paper examines David Lynch’s television series Twin Peaks (1990–1991) and its profound influence on the US television landscape, particularly during the transition to multi-channel broadcasting and the emergence of “Quality TV”. Rather than conforming to the existing aesthetic and production norms associated with prime-time American television, Lynch developed a series that reflected his auteur vision and challenged the perception of television as a commercial medium. Instead of observing Twin Peaks as a singular occurrence, this paper observes the series’ innovative narrative strategies in the context of the rising tensions between artistic vision and commercial demands in the television industry. Drawing on Pierre Bourdieu’s field theory and Amanda Lotz’s discussion of the US television industry’s evolution, the paper explores how Twin Peaks, both in its original run and 2017 revival, mirrored broader shifts in the television landscape while showcasing the potential for auteur-driven experimentation within television. Finally, through an observation of Dale Cooper’s character arc, the paper illustrates the ongoing interaction between artistic innovation and commercial pressures in television, affirming Twin Peaks’ status as a groundbreaking work in television history.

KEYWORDS / КЉУЧНЕ РЕЧИ:

David Lynch, television, Twin Peaks, quality TV, auteur television

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