In a remarkable auction held in Los Angeles, personal effects belonging to the acclaimed filmmaker David Lynch, who passed away in January, have netted more than $4 million. Among the most coveted items was a collection of scripts for his unrealized film project, Ronnie Rocket, which drew the highest bid of $195,000. This auction, which took place on Wednesday, featured nearly 450 items, showcasing the unique legacy of Lynch and his contributions to cinema.
The auction included a variety of intriguing items, such as props from Lynch's iconic films, personal belongings like video cameras and music equipment, and even his director's chair. Notably, two taxidermy deer heads were also part of the collection. A 35mm print of Lynch's groundbreaking debut feature, Eraserhead, attracted considerable attention, while his cherished La Marzocco GS/3 home espresso machine sold for an impressive $45,500, presumably capable of producing a truly exceptional cup of coffee.
Among the big-ticket items were scripts from the production of Mulholland Drive, which sold for $104,000, and the pilot episode of Twin Peaks, fetching $91,000. Lynch's personalized director’s chair, featuring his name, garnered $70,000. Additionally, a custom-built guitar with five fretted necks sold for $39,000, while a red curtain and the distinctive black and white zigzag rug, reminiscent of the Black Lodge from Twin Peaks, fetched $32,500.
The total proceeds from the auction amounted to approximately $4.25 million, including fees from the auction house, with all funds directed to Lynch's estate.
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the auction was the sale of a group of 11 scripts for Ronnie Rocket: The Absurd Mystery of The Strange Forces of Existence. Lynch began developing this screenplay following the success of Eraserhead in 1977, but the project was shelved due to financing challenges. Over time, as drafts of Ronnie Rocket circulated on the internet, the project gained a cult following, much to Lynch's dismay, as he preferred to keep his works closely guarded until they reached completion.
The storyline of Ronnie Rocket features a “three-foot tall guy with red hair and physical problems,” along with themes involving “60-cycle alternating current electricity” and a detective navigating a mysterious alternate dimension. Elements of this narrative have since echoed in many of Lynch's subsequent film and television projects.
As of now, it remains unclear who acquired the trove of scripts and whether Lynch's long-shelved project, Ronnie Rocket, may eventually find its way to the big screen.
