10 Theories That Help Explain The Works Of David Lynch

4. The Black Lodge Is The Afterlife

Twin Peaks is a show that is "filled with secrets", but its biggest enigma is The Black Lodge. First appearing in Cooper's famous dream in the first season, it eventually grows into the most critical plot point of both the second season and Fire Walk With Me. However, aside from the fact that many strange and apparently supernatural beings live there, including MIKE, BOB, The Giant and the Tremonds/Chalfonts, and that it seems to be situated "above a convenience store", the exact concept of The Black Lodge (and its sister-place, The White Lodge) is typically ambiguous. One element that does clarify things slightly in the beautiful ending of Fire Walk With Me, in which the murdered Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee) appears full of the life and contentment that she has been notably devoid of throughout the film. She is in the ubiquitous Red Room that seemingly represents the Lodges, and is comforted by Dale Cooper who is known to be trapped there. Above her, glowing in Lynch's famous flashing lights, is the angel that she believed had deserted her.

Now, of course, Lynch is suggesting that Laura is finally free of her lifelong torment, and that her personal sacrifice was an act of bravery that allowed her to be amongst the angels. This begs the question: is this The White Lodge, the site of all that is good with the world? Earlier, BOB and MIKE have been shown sharing their "garmonbozia" ("pain and sorrow") in a room identical to this one, but they are known to be dangerous, murderous figures. Are The Black Lodge and The White Lodge visually exactly the same? And, given that Laura has died, do they represent some symbol of Heaven and Hell? Cooper is told in Twin Peaks that, if he is shown to be pure of spirit, he may pass through into The White Lodge. If he falters, The Black Lodge will tear his soul to pieces. Given that Lynch has admitted that he is a spiritual man, could it be that this is his own reflection of the afterlife? One thing is certain. The Red Room (whatever it may be) is the place in which Laura told Cooper she'd see him again in 25 years. The returning Twin Peaks may finally solve some of the mysteries surrounding the room defined by those red drapes and that zig-zag floor pattern...