David Lynch Once Hailed This Modern Movie as a “Fantastic Comedy”

David Lynch, known for his surreal and often unsettling films, once revealed a surprising pick for one of his favorite modern comedies: Yorgos Lanthimos’ 2009 Greek film, Dogtooth.

Speaking in a 2012 interview with the LA Times, Lynch described the disturbing coming-of-age drama as “a fantastic comedy,” despite its dark and unsettling subject matter.

Dogtooth, written and directed by Lanthimos alongside Efthymis Filippou, tells the story of a controlling father and mother who keep their three adult children isolated from the outside world.

The parents manipulate their children into remaining in a state of perpetual childhood, using strange rules, rewards, and punishments to enforce obedience. The film’s surreal and absurdist tone marked Lanthimos’ first major international success, earning him recognition as a unique and bold voice in cinema.

The film received critical acclaim, winning the Prix Un Certain Regard at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival and earning a nomination for Best Foreign Language Film at the 83rd Academy Awards.

Critics praised its meticulous visual style and unsettling storytelling. Greek critic Dimitris Danikas called it “black, surreal, nightmarish” and compared Lanthimos’ style to Luis Buñuel and Michael Haneke, noting its unique blend of horror, satire, and social commentary. On Rotten Tomatoes, Dogtooth holds a 93% approval rating, with reviewers calling it both disturbing and original.

International critics also lauded the film. Alistair Harkness of The Scotsman highlighted Lanthimos as a bold new voice in global cinema. Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian praised the film’s deadpan compositions and careful visual framing, while Roger Ebert noted its meticulous use of visuals and performances to create a sense of discomfort.

Several reviewers drew comparisons to real-life stories of familial control and confinement, although the screenplay predated many such cases.

Lynch’s praise for Dogtooth underscores his appreciation for films that challenge conventional storytelling and blend dark humor with unsettling themes. Calling a film that is unsettling and claustrophobic a comedy may surprise some, but it aligns with Lynch’s own cinematic sensibilities, where humor often arises from absurdity and discomfort.

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