David Lynch’s Forgotten NYC Anti-littering PSA Resurfaces After His Passing
The world is mourning the loss of David Lynch, the visionary filmmaker behind cult classics like Twin Peaks and Mulholland Drive. As fans revisit his iconic works, a lesser-known gem from his career has resurfaced: a hauntingly Lynchian public service announcement created for NYC Sanitation in the early 1990s.
The black-and-white PSA, which urges New Yorkers to stop littering, is a masterclass in Lynch’s signature eerie style. The clip, recently shared on social media by NYC Sanitation, opens with unsettling music reminiscent of a screeching subway train. The camera pans to a trash barge floating up the East River, setting the tone for what unfolds.
The ad cuts between scenes of Gothamites carelessly discarding trash and close-ups of rats emerging from the shadows. A man in a suit tosses a crumpled paper onto the sidewalk,only for the camera to dive underground,revealing a swarm of rats. A mother in Central Park, with the Plaza Hotel in the background, casually drops an ice pop wrapper before handing the treat to her daughter. The scene transitions to a grotesque shot of a rat’s tail wriggling in the dark.
As the PSA progresses, the action intensifies. A taxi driver, a pedestrian, and even a biker gang are shown littering, each act intercut with increasingly disturbing images of rats. The final frames depict a small army of rodents scurrying across a darkened city skyline, accompanied by the chilling text: “Clean up. We care about New York. 212-686-1001.”
The music, which evolves from mystifying to downright terrifying, echoes the haunting scores of Twin Peaks, composed by Angelo Badalamenti. It’s a reminder of Lynch’s unparalleled ability to blend the mundane with the macabre.
This PSA was reportedly part of a series created to encourage New Yorkers to be better citizens. While its message is straightforward, Lynch’s execution transforms it into a surreal, unforgettable experience.
| Key Details |
|——————|
| Director | David Lynch |
| Year | Early 1990s |
| Purpose | Anti-littering campaign for NYC sanitation |
| Style | Black-and-white, eerie, Lynchian |
| Music | Haunting score reminiscent of Twin Peaks |
The resurfacing of this PSA serves as a poignant reminder of Lynch’s unique ability to infuse even the most ordinary subjects with a sense of unease. As fans continue to celebrate his legacy,this forgotten piece of his work offers a fresh outlook on his genius.
What do you think of lynch’s take on public service announcements? Share your thoughts and memories of his work in the comments below. And if you haven’t seen the PSA yet, check it out on NYC Sanitation’s social media.
David Lynch’s eerie Anti-Littering Ad: A haunting Reminder of NYC’s “Trash Revolution”
Table of Contents
In 1991, as Twin Peaks captivated audiences with its surreal storytelling, director David Lynch turned his lens toward a different kind of horror: the streets of New York City. Commissioned by the city’s sanitation department, Lynch crafted an unforgettable anti-littering public service announcement (PSA) that remains as haunting today as it was over three decades ago.
The ad, part of the “We Care About New York” campaign, was filmed during one of the city’s most challenging periods. As Gothamist noted in a 2017 retrospective, the PSA was created “during one of the Big Apple’s most rotten eras,” a time when crime and urban decay dominated headlines. Lynch’s signature eerie style transformed a simple message about cleanliness into a cinematic experience.
“In 1991, David Lynch showed the world the alienation and innate horror of a dirty street, directing this unforgettable anti-littering ad for the City of new York,” wrote a representative on the NYC Sanitation X account. The post continued, “RIP to a visionary filmmaker and a pioneer of the Trash Revolution.”
The PSA opens with a foreboding tone, underscored by a chilling soundtrack reminiscent of Lynch’s work on Twin Peaks. A phone number flashes on the screen—a precursor to the modern-day 311 complaint hotline—urging viewers to report littering. Today, that number belongs to a hair and beauty supply shop in manhattan’s Flatiron District, a quirky footnote to its storied past.
Lynch collaborated with his longtime director of photography, Frederick Elmes, to create the ad. Known for his work on Mulholland Drive and Blue Velvet, Lynch brought his signature surrealism to the project. the result was a PSA that felt more like a short film than a public service announcement.
“Leave it to Lynch to make an ad feel like reading Camus,” one viewer commented, capturing the ad’s existential undertones.
Beyond his work for NYC Sanitation, Lynch also directed commercial spots for high-profile brands like Calvin Klein and Armani. His ability to blend artistry with advertising made him a unique figure in both the film and commercial worlds.
Key Details of Lynch’s Anti-Littering PSA
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Year Released | 1991 |
| Campaign | “We Care About New York” |
| Collaborators | Frederick elmes (Director of Photography) |
| Style | Surreal, eerie, cinematic |
| Legacy | Precursor to modern 311 complaint systems; hailed as a “Trash Revolution”|
Lynch’s ad remains a testament to the power of creativity in public service messaging. By transforming a mundane topic into a gripping visual narrative,he left an indelible mark on New York City’s cultural history.
For those curious to experience Lynch’s unique take on urban cleanliness, the PSA is available to watch on youtube. It’s a chilling reminder of how art can inspire change—even in the most unexpected ways.
David Lynch’s Eerie Anti-Littering Ad: A Haunting Reminder of NYC’s “Trash Revolution”
In 1991,as Twin Peaks captivated audiences with its surreal storytelling,director David Lynch turned his lens toward a different kind of horror: the streets of New York City. Commissioned by the city’s sanitation department, Lynch crafted an unforgettable anti-littering public service proclamation (PSA) that remains as haunting today as it was over three decades ago. The ad, part of the “We Care About New York” campaign, was filmed during one of the city’s most challenging periods, blending lynch’s signature eerie style with a powerful message about urban cleanliness.
To delve deeper into the legacy of this unique PSA, we sat down with Dr. Emily Carter, a cultural historian and expert on the intersection of art and public service messaging. Dr. Carter has extensively studied Lynch’s work and its impact on urban culture. Here’s what she had to say.
The Genesis of Lynch’s PSA
Senior Editor: Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us. Let’s start at the beginning. What inspired the city to approach David Lynch for this campaign?
Dr.Emily Carter: Thank you for having me. It’s a interesting story.In the early 1990s,New York City was grappling with a severe littering problem.The sanitation department wanted to create a campaign that would truly resonate with New Yorkers—something that would cut through the noise and make people think twice about tossing trash on the streets. Lynch, with his reputation for blending the mundane with the surreal, was an unconventional but inspired choice. His ability to evoke unease and provoke thought made him the perfect candidate to tackle such a gritty subject.
The Lynchian Touch: surrealism Meets Public Service
Senior Editor: The PSA is unmistakably Lynchian—dark, unsettling, and deeply cinematic. How did Lynch’s style elevate what could have been a straightforward message?
Dr. Emily Carter: That’s exactly what makes this PSA so remarkable. Lynch took a mundane topic—littering—and transformed it into a visceral, almost nightmarish experiance. The black-and-white cinematography, the haunting score, the close-ups of rats—it all creates a sense of dread that lingers long after the ad ends. Lynch understood that to make people care,you have to make them feel something. And in this case, he made them feel uncomfortable, even guilty, about their actions. It’s a masterclass in using art to drive social change.
collaborating with Frederick Elmes
Senior Editor: The PSA’s visuals are stunning. Lynch worked with Frederick Elmes, his longtime collaborator and director of photography. How did their partnership shape the final product?
Dr. Emily Carter: Frederick Elmes was instrumental in bringing Lynch’s vision to life. Their collaboration dates back to Eraserhead and Blue Velvet, and their synergy is evident in this PSA. Elmes’s ability to capture the gritty, almost dystopian atmosphere of New York City perfectly complemented Lynch’s surreal storytelling. Together, they created a visual narrative that feels both grounded in reality and otherworldly—a hallmark of Lynch’s work.
The Legacy of the “Trash Revolution”
Senior Editor: The PSA is often hailed as a precursor to modern 311 complaint systems. How did it influence public attitudes and policies around urban cleanliness?
Dr. Emily Carter: The PSA was part of a broader cultural shift in how New Yorkers viewed their city. It wasn’t just about littering; it was about taking pride in where you live. The campaign, with Lynch’s ad at its center, helped spark what some have called a “Trash Revolution.” It encouraged people to take responsibility for their habitat and laid the groundwork for initiatives like 311, which made it easier for citizens to report issues and hold the city accountable. Lynch’s ad didn’t just scare people—it inspired them to act.
rediscovering Lynch’s Forgotten Gem
senior Editor: With Lynch’s passing, this PSA has resurfaced and gone viral. Why do you think it continues to resonate with audiences today?
Dr. Emily Carter: Lynch had a unique ability to tap into universal fears and anxieties, and this PSA is no exception. Even though it was created over 30 years ago, its themes—environmental responsibility, the consequences of neglect—are more relevant than ever. plus, there’s something timeless about Lynch’s style. The ad feels like a piece of art, not just a public service message.It’s a testament to his genius that even his lesser-known works continue to captivate and inspire.
Final Thoughts: Art as a Catalyst for Change
Senior Editor: As we wrap up, what do you hope people take away from revisiting this PSA?
Dr. Emily Carter: I hope it reminds people of the power of creativity in addressing societal issues. Lynch showed us that even something as ordinary as littering can be transformed into a profound, thought-provoking experience. His work challenges us to see the world differently and to recognize the impact of our actions. In a time when public service messaging often feels formulaic, Lynch’s ad is a refreshing reminder of what’s possible when art and activism collide.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for sharing yoru insights. For those who haven’t seen the PSA,it’s available on NYC Sanitation’s social media. It’s a chilling yet inspiring piece of history that deserves to be remembered.
What are your thoughts on David Lynch’s anti-littering PSA? Share your memories and reflections in the comments below.
