The Unsettling Cheer of "The Baldwins"

"In "Mulholland Drive," Lynch juxtaposes innocence with underlying darkness, utilizing a seemingly wholesome farewell scene that hints at hidden menace beneath the surface."

""The Baldwins" presents a conventional reality TV format, yet resonates with Lynch’s exploration of facade and the darkness lurking behind cheerful appearances."

In 'Mulholland Drive,' director David Lynch illustrates the juxtaposition of innocence and underlying menace through Betty Elms’ arrival in Los Angeles. As she embarks towards her dream of acting, a seemingly innocent farewell from senior citizens turns sinister, painting a disquieting picture of American aspiration. This sentiment resonates with the reality show 'The Baldwins,' which features Alec Baldwin and his family, yet lacks Lynch’s surreal complexity, providing instead a conventional narrative that still evokes lingering questions about the darkness behind cheerful façades.

Read at The New Yorker