Mulholland Drive Ending Explained, Check the Plot and Review

Check this article about Mulholland Drive ending explained, and know about the ending explanation, plot, review, and cast of the 2001 mystery film, Mulholland Drive.

by Janani | Updated May 08, 2023

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Mulholland Drive Movie

Mulholland Drive is a film released in 2001, characterized by its surrealist and neo-noir elements. It was written and directed by David Lynch and features an ensemble cast including Naomi Watts, Laura Harring, Justin Theroux, Ann Miller, Mark Pellegrino, and Robert Forster. The narrative revolves around Betty Elms (played by Naomi Watts), an aspiring actress who has recently arrived in Los Angeles. 

Betty forms a connection with an amnesiac woman (portrayed by Laura Harring) recovering from a car accident. The film explores various interconnected vignettes and introduces other intriguing characters, including a Hollywood film director (played by Justin Theroux).

Mulholland Drive Movie Ending Explained

The conclusion of Mulholland Drive reveals that Diane, an aspiring but unsuccessful actress, is deeply infatuated with Camilla, a highly successful individual. Consumed by anger and heartbreak after being rejected, Diane arranges for a hitman to murder Camilla. The hitman provides confirmation of the deed through the delivery of a blue key. Overwhelmed by guilt and self-loathing, Diane falls asleep, where her dream unfolds as the main storyline, with her assuming the persona of Betty. Within the dream, Camilla is symbolized by the character Rita, who narrowly escapes an assassination attempt.

Furthermore, the dream sequence involves enigmatic figures who seemingly control Hollywood's casting decisions, leading Diane to mistakenly believe that her lack of significant roles, in reality, is due to their manipulation. In truth, Camilla's allure and manipulation of influential individuals were the key factors in her success. Unable to reconcile her actions or live with the weight of her guilt, Diane ultimately takes her own life in the concluding moments of Mulholland Drive.

Cast of Mulholland Drive

Cast Name 

Charater Name

Naomi Watts

Betty Elms/Diane Selwyn

Laura Harring 

Rita/Camilla Rhodes

Justin Theroux

Adam Kesher

Ann Miller 

Coco

Mark Pellegrino

Joe

Robert Forster

Detective McKnight

Brent Briscoe

Detective Domgaard

Dan Hedaya 

Vincenzo Castigliane

Angelo Badalamenti 

Luigi Castigliane

Michael J. Anderson

Mr. Roque

Bonnie Aarons 

Bum

James Karen 

Wally Brown

Chad Everett  

Jimmy Katz

Monty Montgomery 

The Cowboy

Lee Grant 

Louise Bonner

Richard Green 

The Magician

Rebekah Del Rio 

Herself

Melissa George 

Camilla Rhodes

Geno Silva 

Cookie/Emcee

Billy Ray Cyrus 

Gene

Lori Heuring  

Lorainne Kesher

Jeanne Bates

Irene

Patrick Fischler 

Dan

Michael Cooke 

Herb

Mulholland Drive Where to Watch?

You can watch Mulholland Drive on Amazon Prime video. Here are the simple steps to login to the Amazon Prime video. 

  • Visit a website or open an app that offers the Login with Amazon feature.
  • Look for and click on the Login with Amazon button.
  • Enter your username and password associated with your Amazon account.
  • If it's your first time signing in to that particular website or app, you'll encounter a screen requesting your consent to share specific information from your personal profile.

Mulholland Drive Streaming

AT present, you can watch "Mulholland Drive" streaming on Criterion Channel or rent it on Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, Microsoft Store, Redbox, DIRECTV, AMC on Demand online

To sign in or sign out of your Apple ID within the Apple TV app on your Mac, follow these steps:

  • Open the Apple TV app on your Mac.
  • From the menu bar, click on "Account" and select "Sign In" or "Sign Out" depending on your current status.
  • If you've forgotten your Apple ID or password, click on "Forgot Apple ID or Password?" and follow the instructions provided on the screen.

To access content from your Vudu library, you must sign in or activate your TV using the Vudu app. 

  • Simply click on the Sign In or Join option and follow the on-screen instructions. 
  • Once you have successfully logged into your Vudu account, you can navigate to "My Vudu" to view and enjoy your purchased titles and active rentals.

You can follow these steps to log in to your Youtube account:

  • Input your email address or phone number and tap on the "Next" button.
  • Enter your password and click/tap on "Next."
  • Confirm your YouTube login action.

Mulholland Drive Plot

Mulholland Drive is a complex and enigmatic film that follows the story of a dark-haired woman who survives a car crash on Mulholland Drive and later suffers from amnesia. She encounters Betty, an aspiring actress, who helps her uncover her identity. Meanwhile, a filmmaker named Adam Kesher faces troubles with mobsters and a hitman enters the picture. As Betty and the amnesiac woman delve into their investigation, they encounter strange occurrences and disturbing revelations, leading to a mind-bending climax.

In a series of intertwined events, dreams, and illusions, the characters navigate through Hollywood's dark underbelly and their own twisted desires. The narrative explores themes of identity, illusion, and the harsh realities of the entertainment industry. Ultimately, the film culminates in a tragic ending involving Diane Selwyn, a struggling actress consumed by jealousy and heartbreak, who takes drastic measures to confront her unrequited love. Mulholland Drive blends mystery, psychological elements, and surrealism, leaving audiences with a haunting and thought-provoking experience that challenges conventional storytelling.

Mulholland Drive Review

Lynch's mesmerizing and enigmatic drama delves into the lives of an aspiring actress, an amnesiac woman, and a determined director entangled in a battle against powerful forces hindering his film. With his signature style, Lynch crafts an immersive and atmospheric narrative that surpasses the potential of traditional television storytelling.

Mulholland Drive had its highly anticipated premiere at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival in May, receiving widespread critical acclaim. David Lynch, the director, was honored with the Best Director prize at the festival, which he shared with Joel Coen for The Man Who Wasn't There. The film garnered positive reviews from numerous critics and evoked some of the most intense audience reactions of Lynch's illustrious career. As part of its promotion, enigmatic posters featuring the abbreviation "Mulholland Dr." were strategically displayed, adding to the intrigue surrounding the film.

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Mulholland Drive Movie Ending Explained - FAQs

1. Who played the role of Betty Elms/Diane Selwyn?

Naomi Watts played the role of Betty Elms/Diane Selwyn. 

2. Who played the role of Rita/Camilla Rhodes?

Laura Harring played the role of Rita/Camilla Rhodes.

3. Who played the role of Adam Kesher?

Justin Theroux played the role of Adam Kesher.

4. Who played the role of Coco?

Ann Miller played the role of Coco.

5. Who played the role of Joe?  

Mark Pellegrino played the role of Joe.