Lynch also directed ‘The Elephant Man’. It was made by Mel Brooks’ production company. Brooks saw Eraserhead and said to Lynch ‘You’re a crazy man. You’re hired.’
Ah...now it makes sense. I never understood the opening sequence of that film. John Merrick's affliction had nothing to do with elephants. Yet, the opening sequence depicted Merrick's mother being...is 'molested' the right word?...attacked by an elephant.
But you say David Lynch and it all makes sense now.