David Lynch reveals emphysema diagnosis, no longer able to direct in person

David Lynch, the acclaimed 78-year-old filmmaker, has announced that he is suffering from emphysema and can no longer direct projects on location. In an interview with Sight & Sound magazine, Lynch explained that his condition stems from his long-term smoking habit, which has now left him homebound. "Smoking was something that I absolutely loved, but in the end, it bit me. It was part of the art life for me: the tobacco and the smell of it, and lighting things and smoking and going back and sitting back and having a smoke and looking at your work, or thinking about things; nothing like it in this world is so beautiful," he said. "Meanwhile, it’s killing me. So I had to quit."

Lynch also mentioned that the risk of contracting COVID-19 or even a common cold poses a significant threat to his health, making it imperative for him to avoid public spaces. Consequently, any future directorial work would need to be conducted remotely from his home. "I like to be amongst the things and get ideas there. But I would try to do it remotely, if it comes to it," Lynch remarked.

Despite these challenges, Lynch remains optimistic about his future projects. He revealed that he recently pitched an animated project called "Snootworld" to Netflix, although it was ultimately not picked up. Additionally, he expressed a desire to produce his unmade 2010 screenplay, "Antelope Don’t Run No More."

Lynch's most recent significant work was "Twin Peaks: The Return" in 2017. Recently, he collaborated with Chrystabell on a new album, "Cellophane Memories," for which he directed several music videos. Lynch's determination to continue his creative endeavors, despite his health limitations, underscores his enduring passion for filmmaking.