Beyond The Ashes: A Screening of Fire Walk With Me
Attending the January 11th screening of Beyond The Ashes: Fire Walk With Me was more like a dream than a reality.
Learning of the screening months in advance, I anticipated snow storms, ice, and the possibility of cancellation. I did not expect a misting rain and temperatures in the mid 50s. Weather forecasts had predicted severe storms.
Before the crowd
I arrived a little over an hour early and was happy to find the front doors of the theatre unlocked. Having seen the merchandise tables through the windows, I was eager to enter. I glanced over Scott Ryan's table, which displayed back issues of The Blue Rose Magazine, The Women of David Lynch book, and several Twin Peaks-related items. Mr. Ryan approached and introduced himself. He was very kind and patient with me the entire time we spoke, though I was nervous. Mr. Ryan signed a copy of The Women of David Lynch.
The Blue Rose Table
People began to arrive, and the main lobby quickly became crowded. Music drifted from another room, Earle's theme, Falling. We waited, and as soon as the entrance to the auditorium opened, we rushed to find a seat. There was a buzz in the air, the general thrill that rises in crowds. Voices were mixed in anticipation of the promise to come. On our way, we passed the faces behind TattooKaiju.com. They had a table with Twin Peaks art prints, necklaces, pins, patches, and hair ribbons for sale.
Merchandise on the Tattoo Kaiju table
Music played from speakers near the movie screen; the area it had drifted from earlier, music from The Return. I can't remember any particular artists or songs other than the Chromatics' Shadow. It wasn't long before Mike McGraner and Scott Ryan came before the stage with their introductions and suggested rules of conduct for the night. (Try not to share your entire life story with Ray and Sheryl. They'll love to listen, but we need to move the line along.)
Before the movie
As the lights dimmed, slowly people began to realize the change settling around them. They waited for the beautiful, slow music they could already hear in their heads but held their breath to hear in the room, pulses visible. They were quiet in their suspense.
When a round of thunderous applause broke through the room like a wave, I was surprised, gladdened, to know I was part of a non-silent audience. The crowd applauded for the names of many cast members as they filled the screen. Sheryl Lee, Ray Wise, David Bowie, Miguel Ferrer, Peggy Lipton, David Lynch, Harry Dean Stanton, Grace Zabriskie, and finally, Kyle MacLachlan.
Noting a fair amount of applause was reserved for those who have passed away, I am truly saddened that Pamela Gidley received no recognition from those in attendance. I regret not applauding every cast member. I was out of my body, not thinking or registering my behavior. Though they're unable to hear the acclamation, I feel as though the cast and crew of Twin Peaks should be respected for all they have contributed. For the places they've carved in our hearts and the hearts of others.
Another matter that does not feel right is Kyle MacLachlan's name receiving more of a reaction from the audience than Sheryl Lee's. Fire Walk With Me is Laura's story. Ms. Lee put her heart and soul into the role. Her portrayal is harrowing, almost too much to withstand, though it is necessary viewing; not just for fans of Twin Peaks but as a testament to the reality many people face. This story is not Cooper's. That is not to dismiss him in any way. He is enormously significant to many and the story as a whole, as are other characters. But this is not his story. It is Laura's. The woman who brought her to life deserves our applause.
When a round of thunderous applause broke through the room like a wave, I was surprised, gladdened, to know I was part of a non-silent audience. The crowd applauded for the names of many cast members as they filled the screen. Sheryl Lee, Ray Wise, David Bowie, Miguel Ferrer, Peggy Lipton, David Lynch, Harry Dean Stanton, Grace Zabriskie, and finally, Kyle MacLachlan.
Noting a fair amount of applause was reserved for those who have passed away, I am truly saddened that Pamela Gidley received no recognition from those in attendance. I regret not applauding every cast member. I was out of my body, not thinking or registering my behavior. Though they're unable to hear the acclamation, I feel as though the cast and crew of Twin Peaks should be respected for all they have contributed. For the places they've carved in our hearts and the hearts of others.
Another matter that does not feel right is Kyle MacLachlan's name receiving more of a reaction from the audience than Sheryl Lee's. Fire Walk With Me is Laura's story. Ms. Lee put her heart and soul into the role. Her portrayal is harrowing, almost too much to withstand, though it is necessary viewing; not just for fans of Twin Peaks but as a testament to the reality many people face. This story is not Cooper's. That is not to dismiss him in any way. He is enormously significant to many and the story as a whole, as are other characters. But this is not his story. It is Laura's. The woman who brought her to life deserves our applause.
As many times as I've seen the film, the sound in a theater was completely different. It was amazing to hear. The kind of loud that courses through your body, causes you to jump, though you know what's coming. The moment when Laura comes into her room and finds BOB looking for her diary was particularly disturbing when heard in a theater. The sound was intense throughout. The Pink Room was remarkably loud and beautiful, but I did not stay: I respect and love Laura. It's hard to watch the scene on my own, let alone in a room of many.
Walking the aisles to that music was like dancing, like walking a runway. I could not see faces in the dark. Outside the room, the music and it's power coursed through walls.
There are a few notable call-outs or strange comments that I can recall. When Kiefer Sutherland's name rolled across the credits, a girl behind me repeated his name incredulously. People laughed when James and Laura spoke inside the school (gobble, gobble, gobble). They laughed at the way Laura was able to change Bobby's mood with her smile. Key moments, key characters - Gordon, Carl Rodd, Albert - drew the most laughs. There was relative silence throughout the rest of the showing, and a round of applause at the end.
With the film over, the lights slowly brightened. We were informed we would have a short break to purchase refreshments, check the merchandise tables, etc. before the Q&A would begin. The lines to exit began to form, but the wait was not long. When I returned, there were three chairs on the stage. Mike McGraner was first on the stage, asking us what we thought of Fire Walk With Me on the big screen and if we were ready to meet Sheryl Lee and Ray Wise. Everyone cheered.
Ms. Lee came out first. Her energy was palpable as she strode across the stage wearing a dark gray suit and boots. She was radiant, actually glowing in the theater lights. She stood next to Mr. McGraner and searched the audience. Her beauty is like that of an old Hollywood star, and I could see her eyes as they lit, trained on the faces of the crowd.
Walking the aisles to that music was like dancing, like walking a runway. I could not see faces in the dark. Outside the room, the music and it's power coursed through walls.
There are a few notable call-outs or strange comments that I can recall. When Kiefer Sutherland's name rolled across the credits, a girl behind me repeated his name incredulously. People laughed when James and Laura spoke inside the school (gobble, gobble, gobble). They laughed at the way Laura was able to change Bobby's mood with her smile. Key moments, key characters - Gordon, Carl Rodd, Albert - drew the most laughs. There was relative silence throughout the rest of the showing, and a round of applause at the end.
With the film over, the lights slowly brightened. We were informed we would have a short break to purchase refreshments, check the merchandise tables, etc. before the Q&A would begin. The lines to exit began to form, but the wait was not long. When I returned, there were three chairs on the stage. Mike McGraner was first on the stage, asking us what we thought of Fire Walk With Me on the big screen and if we were ready to meet Sheryl Lee and Ray Wise. Everyone cheered.
Ms. Lee came out first. Her energy was palpable as she strode across the stage wearing a dark gray suit and boots. She was radiant, actually glowing in the theater lights. She stood next to Mr. McGraner and searched the audience. Her beauty is like that of an old Hollywood star, and I could see her eyes as they lit, trained on the faces of the crowd.
Mr. Wise entered with an aura of joviality, absorbing his clamorous welcome. His buoyant nature is infectious; it spread to those watching, reassuring us. He claimed the chair near Ms. Lee and surveyed the crowd. His mannerism was casual and warm, though not without an air of professionalism.
Mr. McGrainer spoke about the longevity of the film, and how it is still able to fill a theater. Mr. Wise said it is David Lynch's masterpiece and that the last 20 minutes are almost like a religious experience. Ms. Lee agreed it is like a religious experience, and she was so grateful Laura got an angel at the end.
Mr. Wise expressed his disappointment in not being more involved in season three. This happened many times throughout the night, though not without humor.
It was suggested that Ray should share a song with the audience. He serenaded us with Maizy Doats. He ended it by winking and saying he hadn't planned it at all. It was wonderful to hear most of the room join in without prompting. Someone kindly posted it on YouTube:
The crowd was asked to form lines along the two aisles to ask questions. There were microphones at each end and at least one in the gallery. Almost as soon as Mr. McGrainer asked the audience to begin forming a line, a person in the gallery was ready. Sheryl and Ray answered every question with detail and care. The entire Q&A was two hours long.
After the Q&A, a line was formed to meet Ms. Lee and Mr. Wise. The stage was set with three tables. The first was the Blue Rose table - now moved from the front lobby - Ms. Lee's table then Mr. Wise. When it was my turn to speak to Ms. Lee, I was overwhelmed.
I know she is not Laura, though meeting her it is easy to find the inspiration behind a Laura whose core contains pure white light. That is Ms. Lee in no exaggeration. Pure, healing light and energy. It is inescapable. Her eyes are so blue. In the light of the stage, they reminded me of turquoise. I hugged her. I couldn't stop myself even if I tried and felt firsthand the calming peace she sent out. It can't be put into words. Not only can they not be found, but to attempt to describe the feeling almost feels disrespectful to the moment she gave me. My sister was with me and she said Ms. Lee gave me her all. She was very kind and patient the entire time we spoke. She made me feel cared for even though I was a stranger. I was flooded with emotion, but she held my hand. She went out of her way to calm me, holding me in her arms, and touching the back of my head after I incoherently did the same to her. She treats you as though you are cherished.
Ray Wise... Meeting him, you are again met by intense blue eyes. His are dark blue, ocean blue, and almost unreal. I hugged him without even taking the time to first speak or for that matter think. I rushed to him. I wasn't able to spend as much time with Mr. Wise. I knew people were waiting, and I was nervous. His jacket was blue, a soft silky material beneath my hands. Like something from a fashion magazine. I stepped back and hurriedly asked my question, which he generously answered. He signed the same photo Ms. Lee had signed for me, saying how much he loved the image. He mentioned with sadness those who were pictured but no longer with us, Catherine Coulson, and Frank Silva. His voice is warm, mellifluous, and strong. It was so meaningful to hear him say my name. It sank into my bones. I gave Mr. Wise another hug and then made to leave. The woman assisting him complimented my shoes, as did he. I mention this, not only because I want to detail everything I can remember, but it's nice to discover the likes and dislikes of people you care about. That Ray Wise can find favor in Victorian boots.
Tickets for autographs and photos were purchased before the film (though available afterward), and I purchased a group photo with Mr. Wise and Ms. Lee. There was a wait for the photo op, but the time was spent contentedly. It was enjoyable to speak with fans and hear snippets of conversation from Ms. Lee and Mr. Wise as they spoke with others from the stage. Hearing Ray Wise sing a little of Aretha Franklin's Respect was memorable. His voice carries more than Ms. Lee's. It was her laughter that could on occasion be heard. We arrived at the show before 2PM and were there until 10PM, mostly waiting in line.
My picture was taken, but most of the moment with the pair is a blur. I saw Mr. Wise looking at me as he spoke. Ms. Lee was to my side, her arm around me. I remember turning, looking at her, and feeling faint. They're both here. These two people are actually with you right now. My body may have been there, but my mind was not. It was like I was already looking back and seeing the moment as a memory. I am unaware of my actions. All I know is that, though I didn't think it was possible, I love Ms. Lee and Mr. Wise even more now than I did before I met them. They are two of the kindest, most giving people I have ever met. I have tears in my eyes thinking about it. It was truly one of the best nights of my life.
Mr. McGrainer spoke about the longevity of the film, and how it is still able to fill a theater. Mr. Wise said it is David Lynch's masterpiece and that the last 20 minutes are almost like a religious experience. Ms. Lee agreed it is like a religious experience, and she was so grateful Laura got an angel at the end.
Mr. Wise expressed his disappointment in not being more involved in season three. This happened many times throughout the night, though not without humor.
It was suggested that Ray should share a song with the audience. He serenaded us with Maizy Doats. He ended it by winking and saying he hadn't planned it at all. It was wonderful to hear most of the room join in without prompting. Someone kindly posted it on YouTube:
The crowd was asked to form lines along the two aisles to ask questions. There were microphones at each end and at least one in the gallery. Almost as soon as Mr. McGrainer asked the audience to begin forming a line, a person in the gallery was ready. Sheryl and Ray answered every question with detail and care. The entire Q&A was two hours long.
Ms. Lee and Mr. Wise answer who they would have played if they could have been another character. Mr. Wise would have liked to have been Sheriff Truman. Ms. Lee always liked the idea of playing Diane before Laura Dern was given the part.
After the Q&A, a line was formed to meet Ms. Lee and Mr. Wise. The stage was set with three tables. The first was the Blue Rose table - now moved from the front lobby - Ms. Lee's table then Mr. Wise. When it was my turn to speak to Ms. Lee, I was overwhelmed.
I know she is not Laura, though meeting her it is easy to find the inspiration behind a Laura whose core contains pure white light. That is Ms. Lee in no exaggeration. Pure, healing light and energy. It is inescapable. Her eyes are so blue. In the light of the stage, they reminded me of turquoise. I hugged her. I couldn't stop myself even if I tried and felt firsthand the calming peace she sent out. It can't be put into words. Not only can they not be found, but to attempt to describe the feeling almost feels disrespectful to the moment she gave me. My sister was with me and she said Ms. Lee gave me her all. She was very kind and patient the entire time we spoke. She made me feel cared for even though I was a stranger. I was flooded with emotion, but she held my hand. She went out of her way to calm me, holding me in her arms, and touching the back of my head after I incoherently did the same to her. She treats you as though you are cherished.
Ray Wise... Meeting him, you are again met by intense blue eyes. His are dark blue, ocean blue, and almost unreal. I hugged him without even taking the time to first speak or for that matter think. I rushed to him. I wasn't able to spend as much time with Mr. Wise. I knew people were waiting, and I was nervous. His jacket was blue, a soft silky material beneath my hands. Like something from a fashion magazine. I stepped back and hurriedly asked my question, which he generously answered. He signed the same photo Ms. Lee had signed for me, saying how much he loved the image. He mentioned with sadness those who were pictured but no longer with us, Catherine Coulson, and Frank Silva. His voice is warm, mellifluous, and strong. It was so meaningful to hear him say my name. It sank into my bones. I gave Mr. Wise another hug and then made to leave. The woman assisting him complimented my shoes, as did he. I mention this, not only because I want to detail everything I can remember, but it's nice to discover the likes and dislikes of people you care about. That Ray Wise can find favor in Victorian boots.
Tickets for autographs and photos were purchased before the film (though available afterward), and I purchased a group photo with Mr. Wise and Ms. Lee. There was a wait for the photo op, but the time was spent contentedly. It was enjoyable to speak with fans and hear snippets of conversation from Ms. Lee and Mr. Wise as they spoke with others from the stage. Hearing Ray Wise sing a little of Aretha Franklin's Respect was memorable. His voice carries more than Ms. Lee's. It was her laughter that could on occasion be heard. We arrived at the show before 2PM and were there until 10PM, mostly waiting in line.
Waiting in line for the chance to speak to Mr. Wise and Ms. Lee
My picture was taken, but most of the moment with the pair is a blur. I saw Mr. Wise looking at me as he spoke. Ms. Lee was to my side, her arm around me. I remember turning, looking at her, and feeling faint. They're both here. These two people are actually with you right now. My body may have been there, but my mind was not. It was like I was already looking back and seeing the moment as a memory. I am unaware of my actions. All I know is that, though I didn't think it was possible, I love Ms. Lee and Mr. Wise even more now than I did before I met them. They are two of the kindest, most giving people I have ever met. I have tears in my eyes thinking about it. It was truly one of the best nights of my life.
If
anyone reading this has not yet attended one of the Beyond the Ashes
screenings I cannot urge you enough to do so. If you care for Twin Peaks, please pre-order tickets so that the tour can continue for many months - and hopefully years - to come.
Mr. Wise signed 'Love from Leland'. Ms. Lee signed 'Many blessings.'
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