Think about the great documentaries, Harlan County U.S.A., Fast Cheap & Out of Control, Nanook of the North, Capturing the Friedmans. What do they have in common? Well one thing is that they really do look at people. Peoples faces - their unadorned and honest faces - are as compelling as the subject matter contained within each of these classics. It looks like David Lynch, who has always had an eye for the strangeness of the American small-town living, understands this implicitly. He has gone on a bit of a road trip and simply captured people talking about themselves, their dreams, their thoughts and most importantly, their faces.
In his own words:
It is so fascinating to look at and listen to people. It's something that is human and you can't stay away from it.
There are many episodes (the man promises 120 individual episodes) and they start June 1st. The trailer, over at davidlynch.com, after Lynch's introduction to the concept, features intriguing tidbits. I have a feeling this will be more The Straight Story than Blue Velvet, but with this particular director you can never be sure.
**UPDATE, the trailer is now embedded after the Jump**
Like a lot of people, I love Lynch's use of language, the way he talks (in general). The dude can put a smile on my face just by saying a few sentences.
That said, I've read reviews where critics have claimed that Lynch has a contempt for smalltown America (like in Blue Velvet). Judging by Interview Project, I'd say they are probably wrong.