Blue Velvet Movie Review (1986)
Sometimes, seeing is believing. And when you think your world is full of robins and rainbows, you might just find a severed ear on the lawn.
I have heard rumblings of Blue Velvet for decades, but I never got around to watching it. There was no rhyme or reason, it’s just a film I’d subconsciously put on the backburner. Then, in talking about the passing of director David Lynch, I realized it was time to finally move the film to the front of the line.
Blue Velvet is the story of a wide-eyed and curious college student, Jeffrey, who stumbles upon a human ear and delivers it to the police. From here, and with the assistance of the police detective’s daughter, he finds himself in the middle of a murder mystery involving a troubled lounge singer and a drug addicted lunatic.
Starring Isabella Rossellini, Kyle MacLachlan, Laura Dern, and Dennis Hopper (with a small appearance by Dean Stockwell, who played Al on the old Quantum Leap), this dark and twisty story earns the MA rating that it was awarded in 1986. We are used to themes and visuals featured in this film today, but 40 years ago, it was in rare company.
One of the things that I enjoyed most about the movie, other than the dark visuals and shadowy lighting combined with bright pops of reds, blues, and other colors, is the palpable tension that begins to rise from almost the first frames. It never lets you go until the very end and that is a gift that Lynch gives.
There is also a constant dichotomy of pure vs. creepy and “everything seems normal” vs. “just under the surface, it’s rotting.” I could give you examples, but it would be much more fun for you to discover them by yourself, so I won’t. (If you want some before watching, write to me and I’ll tell you.) Just know that there are adult themes at play here and this is not a movie for children.
Blue Velvet is an entrancing movie that will fascinate you and captivate your attention for the duration of the film. You’ll also wonder if Dennis Hopper has ever played a good guy in a movie. We know he has, but he’s so good at being bad!
Runtime: 120 minutes
Motion Picture Rating: MA
Languages Spoken In The Film: English
Should You Watch It? Yes, it a classic
Did I Cry? No, this didn’t reach me emotionally in that way
My Rating: 4/5 Stars
Available: To for free on Prime Video or may be available for free on other streaming platforms
