The film then takes a very dark turn when Jeffrey gets caught hiding in Dorothy's apartment. She discovers him in the closet and under the threat of stabbing him with a knife makes him undress and touches him. Before things get too serious, a knock at the door has Dorothy scooting Jeffrey into the closet. Back inside, Jeffrey witness the depravity of psychopath Frank Booth (Dennis Hopper) as he humiliates and abuses Dorothy for his perverse gratification, which she submits to because Frank is holding her husband and son.
Like a good detective, Jeffrey trails Frank and photographs his action. Like a bad detective, he sleeps with Dorothy who demands he rough her up. Complicating matters, Jeffrey and Sandy feelings for each other are intensifying, although she has a boyfriend. Then one evening after sleeping together, Frank and his gang catch Jeffrey coming out of Dorothy's apartment. She claims he's just a friend from the neighborhood, but Frank takes them both on a nightmarish joyride that could very likely result in their deaths and will cause viewers to never think of Pabst Blue Ribbon and Roy Orbison the same way again.
Blue Velvet finds David Lynch at his peak as a filmmaker. He creates a believable dream world where everything is familiar though it's all slightly off-kilter. Lumberton is a version of Wonderland, filled with meaning but thankfully lacking in explanations that would dispel the magic. As a director, Lynch makes great use of all aspects of production to realize his vision. The writing, acting, and editing are particular standouts, and the cast does a marvelous job fully committing to their roles.
The video has been given a 1080p/MPEG-4 AVC encoded transfer displayed at an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 was supervised and color corrected by David Lynch. The moment the film begins the picture exhibits rich vibrant colors through the blue velvet curtains (or is a close up of Dorothy's robe). They continue through the opening montage from the rich red roses and the bright white picket fence. Skintones are consistent. Objects are sharply defined, though there are some scenes when softness creeps in, including intentionally when they use a soft focus on single shot of an actress.
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Article comments
1 - Greg Barbrick
My compliments. I have noticed that many BR reviews tend to focus much more on the technical aspects of the format more than the film itself.
Your review covers both in an inviting style. Nice work...as if you needed my approval.
Laughing Out Loud is I believe the appropriate (and extremely dated) sign off here.
2 - El Bicho
dang, man. you've been keeping late hours lately.
Thanks for the comment. I try to strike a balance between reviewing film itself and the Blu-ray disc. Glad it works for you. Hope you ain't alone
3 - roger nowosielski
Norman Rockewell's painting of Americana is indeed an apt description. But you know of course there's something macabre behind the idyllic scene (even if you didn't know it was Lynch). There's something he does with it which captures the soon-to-unfold the events. The father's stroke confirms the intuition.
One of my favorites of the American films.
4 - El Bicho
A good favorite to have. Thanks for commenting