In a fascinating piece of cinematic trivia, actor Justin Theroux once shared insights into the unique working environment on David Lynch’s “Mulholland Dr.” Recalling his experience in a 2001 profile, Theroux described Lynch as being impressively detached from the typical Hollywood milieu. This anecdote is supported by an amusing incident that unfolded when Ben Stiller visited Theroux on set. Lynch, unaware of Stiller’s Hollywood fame, mistook him for an extra and even offered him a job in the background of the film.
This story underscores Lynch’s complete immersion in his own creative world, where celebrity status holds little sway. The real surprise, however, lies not in Lynch’s unawareness but in the fact that Ben Stiller did not seize the opportunity to appear in the iconic film. Known for his prominent roles in movies like “The Cable Guy” and “There’s Something About Mary,” Stiller might have found an intriguing niche within the surreal and eclectic cast of “Mulholland Dr.,” which included names such as Ann Miller, Robert Forster, and Billy Ray Cyrus.
This missed chance was perhaps on Stiller’s mind when he took on a cameo in the first season of “Extras,” a series by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. In his appearance, Stiller humorously portrays an exaggerated version of himself as a narcissistic film director. The plot follows Gervais’ character Andy, who, after an altercation with Stiller, is removed from filming when he tries to secure a speaking part. This portrayal might be Stiller’s way of acknowledging the humorous mishap of bypassing an opportunity to work with Lynch years earlier.
While Lynch’s oversight could be seen as a comedic lapse, it highlights an artist wholly invested in his vision, perhaps at the cost of mainstream recognitions. Stiller’s journey into self-awareness through satire serves as a humorous reminder of the unpredictable paths in the world of cinema. The story of Stiller and Lynch not only entertains but also sheds light on the quirky, often serendipitous nature of Hollywood filmmaking.