One of the seminal films of the 80s, Blue Velvet is a weird and mesmerising neo-noir. The fascinating storyline is brought to life by a capable cast with memorable performances from Dennis Hopper and Dean Stockwell.
Blue Velvet tackles sexual deviation, drug abuse, madness and violence; yet it is surprisingly easy to watch.
Writer/director David Lynch’s film is a satire, filled with surreal impressions based on characters with extreme psychological issues. Due to this decoupling from reality, we don’t take the film’s important topics – such as misogyny – seriously; something that has led to strong negative analyses from some film critics such as the superb Roger Ebert.
Most film experts, however, celebrate Blue Velvet as a cult classic. And rightly so. It is a thoroughly original and enjoyable film filled with the eccentricities and unique cinematic style which have made David Lynch distinguished amongst audiences and critics alike.
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You can find more information on this U.S. movie on Wikipedia and IMDb.
As always, we recommend you don’t ruin any surprises by reading spoilers or watching trailers. However, this one is pretty harmless:
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Title: Blue Velvet
Language: English
Direction: David Lynch
Screenplay: David Lynch
Cinematography: Frederick Elmes
Editing: Duwayne Dunham
Score: Angelo Badalamenti
Stars: Kyle MacLachlan, Laura Dern, Dennis Hopper, Isabella Rossellini, Dean Stockwell
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Wonderful Cinema 
David Lynch rules 🙂
Definitely watching this one tonight, it is David Lynch’s birthday after all!
What an amazing coincidence! 🙂
One of my favourite movies.
Your blog is really great for a movie fan like me.
Many thanks!
Agreed. You tend to review movies that I really love and have watched and re-wached. The films that I have not seen are usually ones I had considered watching. It makes me me trust your taste in cinema and your objective reviewing is much appreciated too.
Nice review! Short and sweet. I’ve been meaning to watch Blue Velvet for years, I’ll be sure to make time for it this week.
Dennis Hopper as Frank. Oh my! Wondetfully creepy. I once read that he said he should have the role because ‘I am Frank.’
There’s a difference between misogynist characters and misogynist tone. I didn’t feel David Lynch to be misogynist with this film.
Watch Godard’s ‘Passion’ (or don’t!) if you want misogynist tone. I think that’s the name, anyway, I saw it many years ago and hated it for more than one reason.
Many thanks for the tip – I will check Passion out.
It’s the scene with […this is a site promoting no spoilers, don’t forget…] that made my blood boil.
Edited by Shimky
When the end credits rolled and the lights came up I knew I’d just seen a REAL movie.
86-87 saw some exceptional movies released. Blue Velvet, Aliens, Angel Heart, Betty Blue, Mona Lisa – all of these delivered a visceral experience.
Ooh, we must review Angel Heart!
Oh yes! Angel Heart! Mickey Rourke and Lisa Bonet both looking beautiful, and, if I remember correctly, a repeated motif of circular spinning things. And much more…
Ha! Lynch is obviously a mysognist.
Thanks.
Dennis Hopper TERRIFIED me in this film. It came out before Silence of the Lambs or any of the Quentin Tarantino movies.. I think it’s more dark and twisted than anything that’s come out since. Just my opinion tough. I remember being so mad at my husband when he tricked me into watching it in the 90’s. lol I was depressed for days after… THAT being said, I’d watch it again now that I’ve had a life time to grow up. Psychology fascinates me. Thanks for reminding me about this one!
Loved this film and liked the way you explored it in your post. Can’t go wrong with a classic David Lynch
I made the mistake of seeing this film alone when it came out back in ’86, then had to walk home through dark streets by myself. Terrifying. But if I had to pick a favorite Lynch film, I’d probably go for Wild At Heart.
I thought it was a weird movie that was interesting in its strangeness. Dennis Hopper is the key to the movie and well worth the watching.
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David Lynch is brilliant! One of his best in my opinion 🙂
Yes, an outstanding piece of art!