Review of Wild at Heart (1990) by Jess L — 14 Jan 2013

One of the most bizarre films in the history of cinema, Wild at Heart brings a new meaning to the term "off beat" yet may satisfy the obscure crowd it clearly is aimed at. As a superb cast unites for a story different than many would expect (to put it mildly), those with the strongest tolerance for weird films may find it a viewing pleasure...while others should find it disturbing beyond comprehension.

In this bogus version of Romeo and Juliet, a young man and woman named Sailor and Lula (Nicolas Cage and Laura Dern) must take a wild road trip through a mythical world where violence and corruption extend to every known boundary. Escaping the clutches of Luna's mother who will go to all extremes to take her daughter away from her lover, this couple must travel to a world unlike anywhere else for a chance of staying together. But this task soon proves to be more of a challenge than anyone could imagine possible and there are many strangers to meet on the way...and they all seem to get weirder and weirder.

David Lynch has been known for directing strange films throughout his career (1986's "Blue Velvet" in particular), but this one may be off the charts in terms of its obscurity. Those who enjoy odd plots may take to it the most, and others who get a rise from watching movies while intoxicated may eagerly add this to their list. Just be warned...it gets pretty messed up. Real life mother and daughter (Diane Ladd and Laura Dern) play mother and daughter here. Cast members Sherilyn Fenn, Grace Zabriskie, David Patrick Kelly, Sheryl Lee and Jack Nance reunite here after playing characters on the series, Twin Peaks. Lynch also wrote the film's hip soundtrack. Cage also debuts his short-lived singing career here.