David Lynch directed some of the most creative car commercials

The creative genius behind some of the most iconic and unsettling cinematic works also found time to leave his mark in an unconventional space: car advertising.

David Lynch, the visionary behind films such as Eraserhead, Blue Velvet, and Mulholland Drive, as well as the cult series Twin Peaks, passed away on January 16 at the age of 78 after a long illness. His death leaves a void in contemporary cinema and art, but his creative legacy endures in every work he left behind—including his ventures into the world of commercials.

It might seem surprising that a director of his stature would dedicate time to making car ads. However, Lynch transformed this commercial medium into something deeply personal and unmistakably his own.

Between 1988 and 2014, he directed 29 commercials, each infused with his distinctive dreamlike and surreal vision, turning them into miniature works of art that transcend their original purpose.

A Unique Take on Car Advertising

One of his earliest and most memorable commercials was Mountain Man, created in 1997 for the Honda Passport. This 30-second ad depicts the transformation of a suit-clad businessman who, upon seeing the Honda Passport, morphs into a nature lover: his clothes change into outdoor gear, and a beard magically grows on his face. Without a single word spoken, the commercial encapsulates the freedom and connection to nature that the vehicle promised.

In 2002, Lynch directed two more car commercials that reflect his unique visual and narrative style. The first, for the Nissan Micra, features the car driving through a surreal cityscape where giant blue lips float overhead, uttering invented words. This ad conveyed the Micra’s identity as an agile, modern urban vehicle while maintaining the strange and captivating aesthetic typical of Lynch’s work.

The second, Bucking Bronco, created for the Citroën Xsara Coupé, might be one of his most extravagant. In this ad, a silver Xsara comes to life in what looks like a corral. A blonde cowgirl and a cowboy watch in amazement as the car moves like a wild horse. Eventually, the cowboy “tames” the vehicle, allowing the cowgirl to climb in and drive away. Filled with humor and symbolism, this commercial showcase Lynch’s ability to inject his imagination into any project, no matter how mundane.

Tributes to the Master

After news of his death broke, numerous figures in film and entertainment paid tribute to Lynch, emphasizing his influence and legacy. Filmmaker Ron Howard described him as a “kind man and fearless artist who followed his heart and proved that radical experimentation could create unforgettable cinema.”

Steven Spielberg shared an emotional memory of working with Lynch on The Fabelmans, where he portrayed legendary director John Ford: “I met David when he played John Ford in The Fabelmans. There he was, one of my heroes, playing another of my heroes. It was surreal—like a scene from one of his own movies,” Spielberg said.

Director Jason Zada also expressed admiration: “David Lynch was a huge inspiration for me as a kid. I remember watching Eraserhead on VHS and playing it over and over. His films, his voice, and Twin Peaks left an indelible mark on my career.”

Experimental filmmaker Harmony Korine praised Lynch for having “invented a new narrative language” and described him as a “once-in-a-generation talent who explored the embers of America’s wild nature.” Director Jane Schoenbrun thanked Lynch for showing her “a beautiful world of love and danger that I felt but had never seen outside of a dream.”

Even those who worked with him on seemingly minor projects found inspiration in his genius. Singer and actress Chrysta Bell, a longtime collaborator, shared a touching anecdote: “Moments before I heard of his passing, I saw a red cardinal hopping on the tree outside my window. That flash of color brought me comfort in the midst of despair.”

An Unparalleled Legacy

David Lynch was more than a filmmaker—he was a true artist who transformed every project he touched. His ability to create dreamlike worlds filled with mystery and meaning redefined cinema and, surprisingly, even advertising. His passing leaves an irreparable void, but his work lives on, challenging conventions and reminding us of the power of boundless creativity.