6. Mulholland Drive (2001)
To most (and by most, I mean me) this is David Lynch's crowning glory. Whatever medication that resulted in the brief moment of normalcy that hit Lynch during the making of 'A Straight Story' wore off in time for him to create this masterpiece. A beautifully shot film that shows elements of his past movies blend into this seamless modern film-noir of a struggling Hollywood actress played by a yet-to-be-discovered-by-America Naomi Watts. When the WTF moment hits, it's pulled with such subtlety that it should make you want to go back and watch the movie again with this new knowledge. To think that this was to be a pilot for another 'back to television' project astounds. Its plot centers around a missing actress with amnesia who, helped by Naomi Watts unravels the mystery of who she is. The twist in the plot doesn't hit you over the head with it's reveal but rather subtly done with mastery and ingenuity. Naomi Watts showcases why she became a lead actress with two very different interpretations of an audition scene which showcase not only Watts but the ability of Lynch to pull great performances out of his actors, much like he did with Dennis Hopper in Blue Velvet.