Blue Velvet (1986)

Blue Velvet

• David Lynch, the mastermind you are. I’m currently doing a Lynch marathon, and after seeing his first four films (and several short films), he’s already solidified himself as one of my favorite directors. The dude can take any plot and any character and just make it feel so surreal. Totally genius. This one in particular stands out because from his first four films, it feels the most realistic while still being a fever dream. You knew what was going on around you, but at the same time, it felt like you were in the twilight zone. This movie had the same vibe as ‘Taxi Driver’ to me. Not the same style, but the same kind of noir-ish, antihero, psychological feel. I absolutely loved it. The story was so well written. It was easy to follow along with, and you stayed sucked in the entire time. But, there’s so much detail added into each shot and into the screenplay, so it may seem simple, it’s a lot more complex. The cinematography was great, with a lot of dark shots and an almost bland palette. The beginning and end were colorful and vibrant, which is the only time the characters aren’t involved in anything. Everything else is drabby, which is a perfect visual match for the plot. I didn’t think the acting was anything super special, and while there were some really great moments from the cast, there were also some moments that felt a little forced. It fits the tone of the movie, but personally, it was a little off. It wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t the best thing ever. All the characters were well written, though. The score was fantastic, especially in the opening credits. That’s what really hooked me. Overall, this was an amazing movie experience, and I can’t wait to analyze it more deeply on a rewatch. I’d recommend it to all mystery/thriller fans. This film is officially Berry Approved, so go check it out now!