When Isabella Rossellini appeared as the sadomasochistic Dorothy Vallens in David Lynch’s Blue Velvet (1986), audiences were scandalised. Nearly 40 years later, the beautiful, bruised nightclub singer remains one of Lynch’s most complex creations. But to whom does she belong? Rossellini talks to Simran Hans about her role in authoring this divisive character.
"Ladies of Lynch" explores the subversive female characters created by the late David Lynch, and the singular women who helped shape them. Season 9’s guests include celebrated actor and filmmaker Isabella Rossellini; Lynch’s daughter Jennifer Lynch; his producer of more than 30 years, Sabrina Sutherland; Twin Peaks (1990) co-creator Mark Frost; and the award-winning novelist Deborah Levy.
Written and guest hosted by culture writer Simran Hans, these conversations with actors, writers, producers and craftspeople who worked directly with Lynch reveal insights about the enigmatic and much-missed filmmaker, and the provocative women he put on screen.
New episodes of this special season will release weekly on Thursdays over the next six weeks. Listen to episode one below or wherever you get your podcasts: