Tag: Creative Process

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The Power of the Unconventional: David Lynch’s Influence on My Creative Voice

5 MIN READ

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Thursday, January 16, we lost David Lynch –  a giant of film and art – and a personal hero. The post I had planned for today was about finding my creative voice, but I felt it could wait. for aweek

Instead, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on how much Lynch has influenced what my vision is becoming. His fearless storytelling, his ability to embrace ambiguity, and his unapologetic weirdness have all profoundly shaped how I see the world and approach my work.

“We live inside a dream”
– Phillip Jeffries, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me

I’ve come to see the world like Lynch did — a surreal, weird, dreamlike thing. It doesn’t always make sense, and that’s okay. Maybe that’s why I’m drawn to his films — they don’t need to make sense. Life doesn’t make sense either, and Lynch taught me it’s alright to lean into that. Sometimes things just happen, and you have to roll with it , or you’ll miss the beauty.

“Sometime My Arms Bend Back.”
– Laura Palmer, Twin Peaks

Lynch’s films have a way of reminding you that there’s always something going on beneath the surface, something hidden just out of sight. I’ve started to look at life like that, and it’s honestly a little unsettling. But also, it’s where the good stuff is—the mess, the weird, the parts we usually ignore. Whether it’s a story or a character, there’s always more to it than what’s on the outside, and that’s something I’ve started to really believe in my own work.

“The owls are not what they seem”
– The Giant, Twin Peaks

This one’s huge. Life is full of contradictions, and things often aren’t what they seem. In Lynch’s world, you don’t trust what’s in front of you; you question it. It’s taught me that sometimes, your first impression isn’t the real story. Whether it’s a film or a person, there’s always more under the surface if you look close enough.

“Through the darkness of future past, the magician longs to see. One chants out between two worlds: Fire, walk with me.”
– The Man From Another Place, Twin Peaks

The world has dark corners – its underbelly – the stuff we pretend isn’t there. But it’s there. Lynch doesn’t shy away from showing us the ugliness, and I respect that. In a way, he’s taught me to look at the world with a darker lens—one that doesn’t sugarcoat things or try to make everything pretty. It’s not always fun, but it’s real.

“The mind is a wonderful thing, as long as you keep it open.”
– Dale Cooper, Twin Peaks

What really stands out to me about Lynch is how he never apologized for his vision. He stayed true to his ideas, no matter how offbeat or controversial. And that’s something I’m learning. I’ve spent too much time trying to fit into molds. Lynch just did his thing. And that’s something I’m trying to bring into my own filmmaking.

“An idea is like a seed. Once you have it, you’ve got to water it.”
– Dale Cooper, Twin Peaks

Lynch talked about how the best ideas come when you least expect them, when you’re not trying too hard to control everything. He let the ideas take him where they wanted to go, and that’s something I’m starting to do more.

I used to think I had to have every detail figured out before I could even start. But now I’m learning to just start, and let the story unfold. Maybe it won’t make sense right away, but that’s part of the fun. Lynch’s films have this weird, happy accident feel to them, and I think that’s what makes them so compelling. It’s about the journey, not the destination.

“I’m weird. I like weird.”
– Dale Cooper, Twin Peaks

At the end of the day, Lynch’s work is a reminder that it’s okay to be yourself. You don’t have to fit in, You don’t have to explain everything. Be messy. Be weird. Be uncomfortable. That’you don’t need to please anyone. Lynch never tried to and maybe that’s the biggest lesson he’s taught me—if you’re true to your own voice, that’s all that matters.

“You know, it’s a strange world.”
– Nadine Hurley, Twin Peaks

David Lynch taught me that things don’t have to be perfect, that it’s okay to lean into the weird and the uncertain, and that staying true to your voice is everything. If his work has ever spoken to you, take a minute to revisit it. Let it remind you that the strange, messy, beautiful parts of life are where the best stories come from.

 

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Back To One: Restarting My Film Journey


4 MIN READ

Fourteen years ago, I hit paused on pursuing filmmaking. Here’s why I’m finally hitting play again.

ROLLING

Hi, I’m Joseph Bouvier, and this is the (slightly terrifying, hopefully inspiring) story of restarting my filmmaking journey after a 14-year detour.

First off, thanks for reading. Honestly, I appreciate it because I know you could’ve spent this time scrolling Instagram reels.

So, why now?

Honestly, it’s more “why not now?” Filmmaking has always been my thing—life just had a habit of interrupting. For context: I graduated from Emerson College with a film degree, spent years happily making movies, producing, writing, and chasing the adrenaline of being on set.

Then… parenthood happened.

OFF SCRIPT: My Time Away

Life had other ideas. A recession and a child upended my priorities, and I found myself in a steady communications job that doesn’t quite scratch my creative itch.

What I thought would be a quick three-year break to raise my son stretched into 14. As it turns out, kids don’t come with a convenient pause button. Parenting has been amazing, but let’s be honest — it’s messy, exhausting, and occasionally makes you wonder what the hell you’re doing?

I’d also be lying if I said raising him was the only reason for the hiatus: I’ve gotten comfortable with the creature comforts that come with a safe, predictable, and steady routine. But the little voice in the back of my head kept whispering:

You’re supposed to be making movies.

 

In the meantime, I stayed connected to the filmmaking world. I co-founded Boston Indie Mafia, a collective that helped local indie filmmakers shine. Between screenings and the Wicked Film Fest, we gave local talent a spotlight. It was rewarding, sure, but it didn’t come close to the thrill of making my own films.

BACK TO ONE: Rebooting

If you’ve seen Lost Highway, there’s a line:


We’ve met before, haven’t we?

 

That’s how returning to filmmaking feels for me — familiar but with a few more laugh lines.

The plan is simple: make films. Of course, “simple” in filmmaking is like saying running a marathon is just a bit of jogging.

Here’s what I’ve been up to in the second half of 2024 to prep for a return to filmmaking:

      • Rebranding: This includes a fresh new logo, a revamped website, and a complete social media overhaul. (RIP Twitter… or X. Whatever…)
      • Old Friends & New Faces: I’ve reconnected with collaborators and met new ones at filmmaker events and festivals.
      • Writing: I’ve finished a draft of my feature-length passion project and polished three short scripts.

And now, the scary part:

I’m diving into preproduction for one of those shorts starting January 6th. By Q2 2025, I’ll have it in post-production, with casting in March, crewing up in April, and shooting in May.

Yes, I’m nervous. No, I’m not backing out.

BLOGGING:  Accountability 101

Blogging? Isn’t that, like, so 2010?

Yeah, I thought so too. But hear me out.

This blog is part accountability tool, part therapy. Writing these posts keeps me focused and reminds me why I’m doing this: to scratch that creative itch that just won’t quit.

And hey, if sharing my chaos helps even one other creative feel less alone in their struggles, then it’s worth it. Plus, you’ll get a front-row seat to all my blunders—lucky you!

MOVING ON: Next Steps

So, here’s the deal: I’ll be posting updates every Monday. First up, January 6th: “Lessons from My First Go-Round in Filmmaking.”

I’ll share what I’ve accomplished, what’s next, and (because I overshare) all the awkward missteps along the way.

YOUR TURN

Now it’s your turn: If you were starting fresh, what would your first step be?

Drop your thoughts in the comments—or don’t. Either way, I’ll see you back here next Monday.