 David Lynch (I) (qv) said he has only recently (2002) realized  what subconsciously inspired the film: the O.J. Simpson (qv)  trial. He said that the trial was a major influence on his mind  during the stage of writing this script, which deals with a man who  killed his wife. Curiously enough, Lynch cast  Robert Blake (I) (qv) to play the Mystery Man, who is a major  character in the film 