HE IS the creative genius behind such contemporary film and television classics as The Elephant Man, Twin Peaks and Mulholland Drive. But while David Lynch has carved a niche for himself as the purveyor of the strange and the weird, his latest film has gone one step farther. It has left even the most seasoned critics completely baffled.

They emerged deeply confused from a preview screening of Inland Empire, the veteran film-maker’s three-hour dreamscape epic, which had its premiere at the Venice Film Festival last night.

Even Laura Dern, who stars in Inland Empire with Jeremy Irons and has worked with Lynch before on Wild at Heart, admitted that she was not sure what the film was about. “My experience on this film was very unique to say the least, even after working with David for a long time,” she said.

“Each day was a different direction, each day was a different idea because we didn’t have a script we were following. The truth is, I didn’t know who I was playing — and I still don’t know. I’m looking forward to seeing the film to learn more.”

At a press conference the film critics assailed Lynch with questions such as “Is it supposed to make sense?” and “What’s it all about?”

Lynch clearly had no intention of enlightening them, even when one critic said: “I have to ask you with a certain concern, how are you these days?”

“Thank you, I’m doing really well,” Lynch replied.

He said of the film: “It’s supposed to make perfect sense . . . That’s what’s so terrible about press conferences. It’s all about the film, not about the words.” He refused to be drawn any farther, insisting that the film spoke for itself.

Lynch was presented with with a lifetime achievement award. “I’m honoured,” he said.