Review of Wild at Heart (1990) by Clinton B — 15 Jul 2010

Wild at Heart is not going to be everyone's cup of tea. This is a dark, demented look into obsession, love and control. Like most of David Lynch's other work, the movie contains off the wall dialogue, out of place camera angles, and flamboyant characters. The protagonist is Sailor, played by Nick Cage, who doesn't have much going for him in life, besides his undying love for Lula, portrayed by Laura Dern. Dern looks fantastic in the film (I just had to throw this in). Lula shares her love with Sailor, but she under the eternal watch of her overbearing mother, played by Diane Ladd. Upon being released from prison, Sailor and Lula go on the run, trying to escape Lula's mother's grasp. Unfortunately for them, the grasp is far reaching, as many unsavory characters are sent out to prevent the lovers from being together. Willem Dafoe plays Bobby Peru, the final pawn in use to put an end to Sailor. Willem Dafoe steals every scene he is in, as he plays one of the most disturbing supporting characters you will ever see in a movie.

For those who enjoy movies that make your skin crawl, this film will be right up your alley.