Boplicity - Mulholland Drive - The Cowboy

[Sandman2012]

Hey Bop, here's that theory on the Cowboy I said I'd pass along (started a new thread rather than resurrecting the old one).

Some friends and I had watched Mulholland Drive and were discussing the theme of illusion vs reality that runs through the film. My friend's idea is in regards to the Cowboy's line, "If you're good, you'll see me one more time, if you're bad, you'll see me two more times." I had written this off as typical David Lynch threatening non-sequiter, but my friend pointed out that after that scene the Cowboy appears either once or twice more in the film depending on how you view it. The first time is when he appears and tells Diane, "Time to wake up, pretty girl." The character speaks and it's obviously the same actor. The only other time the Cowboy appears is at the party at Adam's house, and then you only get a glimpse of his hat and outfit, no way to tell if it is the same person or someone else dressed like him. In my friend's interpretation Lynch is using the Cowboy's line to tell us, the audience, that if we're "good" (in other words do not confuse illusion, or narrative trickery, for reality) we only see the Cowboy one more time (in Diane's bedroom), and if we're "bad" (ie. believe the illusion, fall for the trickery) we'll see him two more times (Diane's bedroom and at Adam's party).

[Bop]

That's an interesting theory, you have there. I love when directors throw in little in-joks. As soon as I have some free time, I am going to have to watch it again- I wonder if there are more references directly aimed at viewers? Got any ideas about the two men in the diner? Why include them, unless it's merely an aside, which emphasizes the idea and ubsurdity of dreams... hmm