A Heartfelt Portrayal of the Iconic Log Lady Character from Twin Peaks, Known to Catherine
In 2017, Twin Peaks: The Return graced our screens, and basking amongst its mind-bending, David Lynch-y goodness was the timeless presence of the Log Lady. Catherine E. Coulson, whose enigmatic portrayal of the character solidified her status as a cult icon, donned the Log Lady hat one last time before her passing from cancer in 2015.
Richard Green's new documentary, I Know Catherine, The Log Lady, takes a heartfelt dive into the making of that emotional final performance, as well as the life of a woman Lynch adored, calling her "one of my nearest, dearest friends."
With Lynch no longer around, the documentary holds a certain wistful quality as it looks back on their longtime relationship, which began in the 70s when Coulson was married to Jack Nance, star of Lynch's debut film, Eraserhead.
Before finding her calling on screen, Coulson honed her skills behind the camera, working as a camera assistant on films like Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Although she was a talented craftsperson, acting was always Coulson's true passion, and I Know Catherine follows her acting journey, culminating in her most famous role as the Log Lady. Instead of a linear narrative, the documentary makes it clear that Coulson's death will be a significant part of the story, opening with a phone call she made herself to a mortuary to discuss arrangements.
As her health deteriorated, those who knew her marveled at the strength and enthusiasm she maintained until the very end. The documentary includes poignant stories from friends, colleagues, and loved ones, all recounting her incredible drive and tenacity.
Though the Log Lady is synonymous with Twin Peaks, the documentary sheds light on other aspects of Coulson's life, including her performances with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and her deep commitment to environmental advocacy.
Kyle MacLachlan, Mark Frost, and other Twin Peaks cast members appear to reminisce about Coulson's spirit during production and the impact the Log Lady made on theshow. "She loved the happiness it brought to people," one associate remembers, and Coulson was touched when Twin Peaks became a smash hit.
Co-creator Mark Frost discusses Coulson's unique interpretation of the Log Lady, a character Lynch first conceived during the Eraserhead era. Frost explains that the character was respected, a bit feared, and that her log held the power to speak truth. Coulson managed to convey all of that in her measured performance, making the Log Lady a captivating presence in every scene.
Coulson's final Twin Peaks scenes were filmed just days before her death, in a quick setup at her home, with Lynch directing her via Skype. Twin Peaks fans, and Lynch enthusiasts in general, won't want to miss this heartfelt homage to a woman who left an indelible mark on popular culture.
I Know Catherine, The Log Lady premiers in NYC on May 1 and in Los Angeles on May 9. To find showtimes at various theaters nationwide, visit here.
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- The documentary I Know Catherine, The Log Lady delves into the making of Catherine E. Coulson's emotional final performance in Twin Peaks: The Return, a project that David Lynch adored.
- Before her role as the Log Lady, Catherine Coulson honed her skills behind the camera,working as a camera assistant on films like Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.
- Despite her cancer diagnosis, Coulson maintained strength and enthusiasm until the end, a fact recounted by friends and colleagues in the documentary.
- The documentary sheds light on Coulson's other notable roles, such as her performances with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and her deep commitment to environmental advocacy.
- Co-creator Mark Frost discusses Coulson's unique interpretation of the Log Lady, a character that Lynch first conceived during the Eraserhead era.
- Fans of Twin Peaks and David Lynch will find the upcoming documentary, I Know Catherine, The Log Lady, a heartfelt homage to a woman who left an indelible mark on popular culture.
