Though David Lynch has not directed a film in a long time, if he were ever to take the director's chair again, it certainly wouldn't be in person as the prolific director has recently revealed that health issues have caused him not to leave his house.
In an interview with Sight & Sound, Lynch revealed that he was diagnosed with emphysema due to Lynch smoking throughout his life. Due to his health issues, Lynch told Sight & Sounds that he can't "go out" of his home as he fears of catching something such as a cold or COVID, due to being immunocompromised.
"I've gotten emphysema from smoking for so long, and so I'm homebound whether I like it or not. It would be very bad for me to get sick, even with a cold," Lynch explained.
As a result, Lynch said that he is unlikely to direct another film, but "if it comes to it," he would have to direct the film remotely. Though Lynch revealed that he "wouldn't like that so much."
In a follow-up tweet, Lynch talked more about his condition.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Yes, I have emphysema from my many years of smoking. I have to say that I enjoyed smoking very much, and I do love tobacco — the smell of it, lighting cigarettes on fire, smoking them — but there is a price to pay for this enjoyment, and the price for me is emphysema. I have now quit smoking for over two years. Recently I had many tests and the good news is that I am in excellent shape except for emphysema. I am filled with happiness, and I will never retire.
I want you all to know that I really appreciate your concern.
Love,
David
Throughout Lynch's career, he has worked on a slew of projects. This included directing The Elephant Man, for which he won an Oscar for Best Directing Movies, like Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive, and, most infamously, the 1984 adaptation of Dune. Lynch also co-created Twin Peaks, in addition to its film prequel and limited series Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me and Twin Peaks: The Return.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
— David Lynch (@DAVID_LYNCH) August 5, 2024
Yes, I have emphysema from my many years of smoking. I have to say that I enjoyed smoking very much, and I do love tobacco - the smell of it, lighting cigarettes on fire, smoking them - but there is a price to pay for this enjoyment, and the price for me is…
Lynch's last full-length feature film was 2006's Inland. Since then he has directed short films, such as What Did Jack Do? released in 2017 and 2020’s The Mystery of the Seeing Hand. Additionally, Lynch has dabbled in music, announcing in June that he was working on a new album with his frequent collaborator Chrystabell.
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Taylor is a Reporter at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.
