Legendary filmmaker David Lynch, known for his unique cinematic vision, has shared the unfortunate news that he’s now confined to his home due to a diagnosis of emphysema.

In an illuminating chat with Sight & Sound, the 78-year-old maestro behind masterpieces like “Eraserhead” and “Mulholland Drive” disclosed that his condition, brought on by years of smoking, has rendered him unable to venture outside. The risk of contracting any respiratory illness, even something as common as a cold, is too perilous for him.

“I’ve been diagnosed with emphysema from smoking for so long, so now I’m homebound, whether I fancy it or not. It would be disastrous for me to fall ill, even with a mere cold,” Lynch shared, according to reports from the Independent and Consequence. He added, “I can only manage to walk a short distance before I’m gasping for air.”

Image credit: IMDB

This diagnosis casts a shadow over Lynch’s future in filmmaking. He mentioned that the chances of him directing another movie are slim, although he did not entirely rule out the possibility of doing so remotely, albeit reluctantly. “I’d do it remotely if it comes to it,” he said, “but I wouldn’t enjoy it much.”

Reflecting on his past habits, Lynch remarked, “Smoking was something I adored, but in the end, it got the better of me. It was intertwined with the artistic life for me: the tobacco, the aroma, lighting up, and then sitting back to ponder over my work with a cigarette in hand; nothing in this world is so grand. Meanwhile, it’s killing me. So I had to quit.”

Emphysema, also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is a debilitating lung condition characterised by shortness of breath. The primary culprits are smoking, air pollution, and exposure to dust and chemicals at work.

Lynch’s last significant cinematic endeavour was the third season of “Twin Peaks,” which graced Showtime in 2017. That same year, he created the short film “What Did Jack Do?” which later premiered on Netflix in 2020.

Despite his health setbacks, Lynch hasn’t stepped back from his creative pursuits entirely. Earlier this year, he released an album titled “Cellophane Memories” in collaboration with American singer Chrystabell, continuing to infuse the world with his distinctive artistic flair.

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