If you're a fan of film director David Lynch and his body of work, chances are you've probably seen his 1977 film Eraserhead. Whether people like or dislike the film, one thing most will agree on is that it's unforgettable. Aside from Lynch's brilliance and flair for the bizarre, a big part of what makes Eraserhead so memorable is actor Jack Nance, who played the leading role of Henry Spencer. Nance worked on a number of other Lynch projects as well, including Twin Peaks, Blue Velvet, Wild at Heart and Lost Highway.
Nance was even more colorful offscreen than he was on, as this documentary illustrates. A troubled man who lived through tragedy and died due to violence, Nance managed to imprint his humor and personality on those he encountered. Although many topics discussed by the interview subjects were not laughing matters, the documentary is not a downer. It is a celebration of Nance's unique presence, flair for storytelling and gruff yet kind nature.
Through interviews with his friends and family, including David Lynch, Dennis Hopper and others, a vivid picture of Nance emerges. It's a compelling documentary that I recommend to any Nance, Lynch or film enthusiast. A longer description of the documentary can be found here.