Review of Blue Velvet (1986) by Jonny P — 17 Aug 2011

In true David Lynch fashion, "Blue Velvet" leaves you feeling uneasy after its conclusion, engraining several of its disturbing moments into your short term memory. I am not surprised that a lot of movie studios were reluctant to pick up this script due to its strong, twisted sexual content.

Amidst the many different aspects of this movie, that content is what left its impression and changed my view of Dennis Hopper forever. He thrives in the role of Frank, a sexually sociopathic criminal whose bipolarity quickly transitions from a violent masochistic rage to sobbing child and back again.

He makes an absolutely terrifying villain, with unpredictable violence, his maddening gas mask, and a constant stream of profanity, including an f-word in nearly every line, earning him #36 on AFI's list of top movie villains.

Although the film is a vehicle for Hopper's supporting role, all of the actors are great. MacLachlan drives the entire film and I enjoyed this early role for Laura Dern, although her crying looked quite ridiculous.

I like that Lynch included Jack "Eraserhead" Nance as one of the henchmen and Isabella Rossellini successfully proved that she is more than just a model. The story itself seems so much different than "Eraserhead" and "The Elephant Man," using a typical small town with a straightforward story.

Things get weird but never depart from the realism of this 1980's Americana atmosphere. It is intersting to research the symbolism in the film, particularly the insects, and it will alter the way that I watch the film next time (if I am brave enough to watch the brutal baby/daddy apartment scene again).

Although it is disturbing, you can't deny that this is an iconic film whose neo-noir style has influenced countless thrillers that have followed it.