Lauren Fern Is Wild at Heart
The actor takes us inside her pre-Valentine’s Day screening of David Lynch’s cult-classic.
Photos by Lauren Fern
Lauren Fern loves film—more specifically, she’s fully and unapologetically crazy about David Lynch. Last night, the actor transformed SAA Brooklyn into her very own cinema club, where she hosted a screening of the filmmaker’s Wild at Heart (1990), starring Laura Dern (Lula) and Nicolas Cage (Sailor) as lovers on the run. Friends, snacks, and the coolest lighters from New York brand Edie Parker set the scene, each inspired by the film’s fiery, off-kilter spirit. Below, Fern talks danger, dancing, and the Lynch moments that live rent-free in her head.
One word to describe Wild at Heart?
Dangerous.
Which character are you?
I’d love to say that I’m Lula. She is beautifully played by Laura Dern, whose name is almost identical to Lauren Fern, lol. I love her because she is loyal, passionate, energetic, has the best style, and loves to dance.
“Sometimes dancing is your only saving grace from the madness of a weird world.” — Lauren Fern
Best scene?
My absolute favorite scene is when Lula and Sailor are driving on the road, and the radio drives Lula so insane (because every channel is covering bad news) that she jumps out of the car and demands Sailor play some real music. He begins blasting heavy metal, and they crazily break out into dance while on the side of the road. Laura Dern is screeching her head off, and the lighting is so beautiful. As they are screaming and dancing, there is this golden sun shining over them. I can 100 percent relate to them because sometimes dancing is your only saving grace from the madness of a weird world.
Favorite line?
“If you’re truly wild at heart, you’ll follow your dreams.”
If you could say one thing to David Lynch, what would it be?
I’d invite him over for coffee and some pie, and ask if we could meditate together. R.I.P. to the greatest filmmaker ever. I LOVE YOU DAVID LYNCH!!!!!!
Three movie recs?
The Mirror Has Two Faces (1996), King of Comedy (1982), and Ms. 45 (1981).
Yessss love it 😻