Watching Inland Empire
WATCHING INLAND EMPIRE
WITH AN 8-YEAR-OLD
IS NOT RESPONSIBLE PARENTING
Even before I invited my son to sit down with us
I was aware that Mr. Lynch’s films
approximate the experience of another person’s nightmare
so I should not have been surprised at Angelo’s terror
when The Phantom’s maniacal, distorted face appeared
I may have mistaken his bravery for immunity.
Who knows how often his rest has been disturbed
by visits from Two-Face or second-rate prime time zombies?
Who knows what effect the burned chunks of
the mutilated soldier in In the Valley of Elah
had on his young mind?
Who can blame him for worrying
that some harm will come to me in the night?
For holding me tight and whispering “be safe”
each time his mother picks him up from my place?