The Log Lady was a cherished character in "Twin Peaks," but Catherine Coulson was far beyond just that role. She became a fan favorite known for interacting with series devotees and contributing to the show’s mythology. Additionally, she was an experienced performer at Ashland's Oregon Shakespeare Festival and worked as a camera assistant for directors like David Lynch, John Cassavetes, and Albert Brooks.
Richard Green, the director of "I Know Catherine, The Log Lady," notes that Coulson managed to make "everyone who was close to her feel as though they were her closest confidant." This film will be shown at Ojai’s Playhouse Theatre on Saturday, followed by a discussion featuring "Twin Peaks" co-creator Mark Frost.
Many of those friends played roles in producing the documentary, which concludes with an intense account of the final days of Coulson’s life. As Lynch and her team hurriedly worked against the swift progression of Coulson's lung cancer, they strived to feature her in the Showtime revival “Twin Peaks: The Return.”
Coulson died in 2015 Just four days later, following a short appearance of The Log Lady filmed at her residence in Oregon with assistance from a nearby production firm and David Lynch guiding via Skype from a distance, the documentary reaches an emotionally charged end. As friends and relatives come together at her house to bid farewell, Lynch’s Los Angeles-based producer attempts to determine if Coulson is fit enough to travel to the Washington set using a medical evacuation flight.
First off, there’s an intriguing glimpse into the life of a multifaceted woman who came of age during the pristine decade of the 1950s, where her father had a career in public relations for Disney. When the counterculture movement gained momentum, Coulson transformed herself into a bohemian theater artist amidst the tumultuous era of 1960s San Francisco. Relocating to Hollywood led her to share living quarters with both David Lynch and actor Jack Nance—star of “Eraserhead”—whom she later wedded. Her contribution extended behind-the-scenes on “Eraserhead,” working as an assistant camerawoman and assisting Lynch; this collaboration also marked their initial discussions about what would become known as the Log Lady character.
Though not her sole achievement, she became a notable personality among devotees of David Lynch after portraying Margaret, the enigmatic Log Lady known for delivering lines such as “The answers to all our queries lie within the breeze and foliage, stones and liquid.” This transformed her into a symbol of fascination for countless admirers of Lynch’s work.
Green, known for his role as The Magician in Lynch's "Mulholland Drive," conducted over 65 interviews for the documentary throughout the last seven years. Some of these interviews were filmed in the very same Beachwood Canyon apartment where he initially encountered both Coulson and Lynch.
Over twenty years since "Mulholland Drive," Green expressed great enthusiasm about collaborating once more with Lynch, who kindly offered recollections of his long-time colleague and partner Coulson. "Lynch is simply the finest supporter an actor could have—ask anyone who has worked with him. His presence and encouragement are unparalleled," remarks Green. "In return for his insights, all I did was listen intently during our project together."
Green remembers the session with David as nothing but sheer delight, lasting about ninety minutes," referring to what might be Lynch’s final on-screen role. "He ranks among the finest narrators in history.
Other individuals from "Twin Peaks" who share their recollections of Coulson in the documentary include Frost, Kyle MacLachlan, Dana Ashbrook, Grace Zabriskie, Michael Horse, and Kimmy Robertson.
Green became intrigued with the idea of producing a documentary about Coulson after learning about the details of her last appearance in "Twin Peaks: The Return," as shared by her close confidant and executive producer, Donna DuBain. He felt it was such a compelling tale—someone who managed to complete this character’s final performance only to pass away mere days afterward—that he found it incredibly remarkable. As Green explains, “It struck me as something truly exceptional.”
No one truly understood the entire narrative. This is why we had the NDA," he explains. "Donna informed me about the $6 million confidentiality agreement that everyone signed upon arrival. They were required to pay a $6 million fine if anyone disclosed what occurred.
When the moment arrived to capture the documentary’s pivotal concluding scenes, which also featured shots from “Twin Peaks: The Return,” Green states that his primary objective was to remain unobtrusive and allow the personal discussions to unfold without any accompanying music.
Similar to Lynch, Coulson enthusiastically practiced transcendental meditation, and even managed to convince Green to give it a try as well. Recalling those times, Green admits, "Initially, I found the idea rather cultish." However, during a particularly challenging phase in his life, he states, "'Deciding to undergo TM training would not only help me grasp Catherine and David’s perspective better but might also be beneficial for me personally.'"
Green mentions that it was Coulson who initially fostered a sense of comradeship within Lynch’s teams, which continued through his career. “David created an atmosphere of unity, collaboration, and positivity on set—I believe this was significantly shaped by Catherine.”
The director mentions that the original log from the Log Lady has been found and is en route to a museum, whereas Coulson’s famous red sunglasses will be showcased at certain screening events.
Following Ojai, the documentary will head to Ashland, Portland, Los Angeles, and various other cities, as well as being accessible for streaming. on the film's website starting May 21.
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