Dr. Magdalena Wanda Zegarlińska
Book launch
Lynchland revisited: Duality as a source of “the uncanny” in films directed by David Lynch.
6pm, Friday 26th September, PUNO Lecture Room, POSK
Step into Lynchland – the world where duality and the uncanny intertwine to create an unforgettable cinematic experience. “Lynchland revisited: Duality as a source of “the uncanny” in films directed by David Lynch” offers an in-depth exploration of these themes, drawing on Sigmund Freud’s theory of “the uncanny” to shed light on the psychological depth of Lynch’s work.
Each chapter considers a different aspect of duality in Lynch’s films – ranging from fear induced by distorted realities, through the concept of the doppelgänger and the dual nature of humanity, to the blurred boundaries between dreams and waking life. The book explores how Lynch’s visions paint the atmosphere of unease, revealing hidden fears lurking in the depths of the human psyche and examines how the motif of the double reflects the complexity of identity and the way that various forms of rebellion – from childhood defiance to existential self-searching – are portrayed in his cinematic universe.
Dr Zegarlińska reveals that duality in Lynch’s work is more than just a source of fear – it is a compelling journey into the subconscious itself, as Lynch draws his viewers into a dark, hypnotic world, where reality bends and inner (often ugly!) truths come to light, making duality a powerful force at the heart of his storytelling.
Dr. Magdalena Wanda Zegarlińska (Unit of Contemporary British Culture, PUNO) specializes in British literature, American film, and cross-continent cultural studies. Her work focuses especially on C.S. Lewis and filmmaker David Lynch. During her PhD studies, she published several articles on Lynch, including analyses of time, alienation, dream symbolism and sexuality in his films. Dr. Zegarlińska has presented her research at international conferences and led academic projects exploring themes such as eschatology, memory and identity. She has taught at the University of Gdańsk, PUNO, and WSB University in Gdańsk and has also contributed to adult education and curriculum development in specialized English courses. Her academic work has been supported by grants and recognized with scholarships and awards. In recent years, alongside her academic work, she has transitioned to the corporate world, where she serves as a coach, tutor and team manager.