By Eric Polk-
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 Jeffery 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 both 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.
Eric back....I just recently watched this film again and what I wrote last year still rings true. Dennis Hopper is just so over-the-top, so evil, so whacky that he may go down as one of the greatest movie villains of all time. Did anyone notice Chucky(or rather the guy who voices him) in a bit part?
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