Much like dreams, merely hearing Lynch's work described does not compare to experiencing his movies and TV series firsthand. Unconventional to the end, the director's filmography (plus Twin Peaks, indispensable to his oeuvre) almost always elicits strong responses, with each project re-assembling a number of core ideas, themes, and images.

The late director’s unique vision and the love that his persona inspires make it easy to forget how winding his path to greatness was.

The man behind 'Blue Velvet,' 'Mulholland Drive' and 'Twin Peaks' helped usher in a new style of cinema that teetered between waking and dreaming