Release: 1986-09-19
Runtime: 2h 00m (120 minutes)
The discovery of a severed human ear found in a field leads a young man on an investigation related to a beautiful, mysterious nightclub singer and a group of psychopathic criminals who have kidnapped her child.
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Provided by JustWatch
Genres: Thriller, Crime, Mystery
Cast: Laura Dern, Isabella Rossellini, Kyle MacLachlan, more
Laura Dern
as Sandy Williams
Isabella Rossellini
as Dorothy Vallens
Kyle MacLachlan
as Jeffrey Beaumont
Brad Dourif
as Raymond
Dennis Hopper
as Frank Booth
Jack Nance
as Paul
Dean Stockwell
as Ben
Hope Lange
as Mrs. Williams
Priscilla Pointer
as Mrs. Beaumont
Frances Bay
as Aunt Barbara
Angelo Badalamenti
as Piano Player
George Dickerson
as Detective Williams
David Lynch
Director
David Lynch
Screenplay
Frank Silva
Set Dresser
Angelo Badalamenti
Original Music Composer
Duwayne Dunham
Editor
Johanna Ray
Casting
Richard Hymns
Sound Effects Editor
Dino De Laurentiis
Executive Producer
Jeff Goodwin
Makeup Supervisor
Fred C. Caruso
Producer
Fred C. Caruso
Production Manager
Frederick Elmes
Director of Photography
The discovery of a severed human ear found in a field leads a young man on an investigation related to a beautiful, mysterious nightclub singer and a group of psychopathic criminals who have kidnapped her child.
It's a strange world.
Blue Velvet, released on September 19, 1986, is a mystery thriller directed and written by David Lynch. The film features a notable cast, including Kyle MacLachlan, Isabella Rossellini, Dennis Hopper, and Laura Dern.
The film centers around a college student, Jeffrey Beaumont, who returns to his hometown in Lumberton, North Carolina. During his walk home from the hospital, he discovers a severed human ear in a field. This shocking discovery leads him into a dark world of crime and a complicated relationship with a lounge singer named Dorothy Vallens. As Jeffrey delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a network of corruption and abuse, orchestrated by a dangerous gangster named Frank Booth.
Initially, Blue Velvet faced a mixed reception from critics due to its graphic and intense subject matter, which includes themes of violence and sexual exploitation. Critics were split on the film’s artistic merit, but it later gained recognition, earning Lynch an Academy Award nomination for Best Director. It also won several accolades, including Best Film and Best Director from the National Society of Film Critics, solidifying its status as a cult classic.
The film's cinematography, done by Frederick Elmes, and its haunting score by Angelo Badalamenti further enhance its eerie atmosphere. The movie intertwines elements of psychological horror and film noir, creating a unique viewing experience that has captivated audiences for decades.
Over time, Blue Velvet has been re-evaluated and is now recognized as one of Lynch's most important works and a defining film of the 1980s. It has earned a place in discussions about American cinema, being listed among the greatest films of all time by various publications and critics.
As the film unfolds, it explores the hidden darkness behind a seemingly idyllic suburban life, a theme that is often associated with Lynch's style. The film employs symbolism throughout, notably using insects to represent the seedy underbelly of society, as seen when Jeffrey discovers the severed ear infested with ants.
The soundtrack features classic songs, including Bobby Vinton's rendition of "[Blue Velvet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Velvet_(song)" target="_blank")" and Roy Orbison's "[In Dreams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Dreams_(Roy_Orbison_song)" target="_blank"), which are used to great effect in establishing the film's tone and emotional impact.
For anyone looking to experience a film that combines gripping storytelling, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes, Blue Velvet remains a significant cinematic achievement. It is not just a film but an exploration of the darker aspects of human nature and society, making it a must-see for film enthusiasts.
