For many, cult movies are defined by doing the Time Warp again. For me, cult movies are defined by the lines "Heineken? Fuck that shit! Pabst Blue Ribbon!" and "Do it for van Gogh!" Yes reapers, my favorite cult movie of all time is legendary director David Lynch's 1986 Blue Velvet.
The film centers on college student Jeffrey Beaumont (Kyle Maclachlan), who, returning from visiting his ill father in the hospital, comes across a human ear in a field in his hometown of Lumberton. He proceeds to investigate the ear with help from a high school student, Sandy Williams (Laura Dern), who provides him with information and leads from her father, a local police detective. Jeffrey's investigation draws him deeper into his hometown's seedy underworld, and sees him forming a sexual relationship with the alluring torch singer, Dorothy Vallens (Isabella Rossellini), and uncovering criminal Frank Booth (Dennis Hopper), who engages in drug abuse and sexual violence.
Why am I attracted to this film? Honestly what draws me is the juxtaposition that is taking place. You have dark, lurid ongoings in a Mayberry-type town plus Frank Booth is such a badass in this film. There is no redeeming value in this character, no grey in his black. This man hordes amyl nitrate and poor Isabella Rossellini like they were water. I also find it amazing how clean-cut Jeffery can easily be seduced by Dorothy while still in love with Sandy, quite a different dimension in these kind of films.
While I was lucky to find the dvd buried in a $5 Wal-Mart dvd bin, it is available on Netflix as an Instant View so why not clear your mind of any linear interpretations and just dig this twisted vibe. 9.5/10
1 comment:
bought it a couple of years ago for 5 Euros (about 7 Dollars) - a good bargain!
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