Kyle MacLachlan is the third component to the triangle. His character is the most compelling simply because we are never quite sure as to his pure motives. Is he really a Saviour or is he really, as Sandy initially suspects, some kind of pervert? Jeffrey’s voyeuristic nature exposes a world that, like the bugs crawling underneath his father’s sod, is unsightly and upsetting. But he almost longs for it, as MacLachlan guides his character with a sense of ailing curiosity. He makes no attempts at getting away, instead regularly knocking on Dorothy’s door. The kicker is when he slaps her.
The music of Blue Velvet is in on the infidelity. Lynch uses Bobby Vinton’s cut of “Blue Velvet” as a guide post, setting up the virtue on the surface with the sweet notes of the tune. Roy Orbison’s “In Dreams” makes an appearance as well, once again betraying the audience with its sweet sounds as appalling incidents lurk beneath the surfaces. Perhaps to remind us that nothing is all that blameless, the soundtrack exists not only to guide the events of the movie or set the tone. It exists on a whole other level, playing a character in and of itself.
Lynch’s Blue Velvet is a masterpiece and stands as one of my favourite films of all time. The performances go beyond the boundaries of ordinary acting and mine the depths for something truly exceptional and extraordinary. Lynch asserts himself persistently, forming a sense of blackness and murkiness over the film as its chasm of incongruity ever widens. Blue Velvet is, then, the decisive betrayal.
Article comments
1 - Brandy
Interesting in depth look at a somewhat neglected classic. The film is disturbing yet moving, ethereal yet earthy, and profound.
Reading this I wonder where is Isabella Rossellini these days? It's a bit sobering that she was Lynch's inamorata during filming. The scene at the end, where she is covered in bruises!
Nice historical context, including Ebert's comments at the time the film was released. I love the line in your next to last paragraph, "Perhaps to remind us that nothing is all that blameless." Love that whole paragraph too. The music really is a character of its own. Nicely written!
2 - Jordan Richardson
Thank you for the kind words.
I found Ebert's comments interesting, especially given the fact that he seemed to really feel disturbed by the film and its treatment of Rossellini. I went over to the Ebert and Roeper website and found the Siskel and Ebert review of the picture. It's interesting to watch Siskel argue with Ebert about the film, as Gene really enjoyed it and made a great case for it.
As for Rossellini, she's still out there. She's done a bit of TV work and tends to take supporting roles. She's in James Gray's Two Lovers, which comes out in the United States in January 2009 and also stars Joaquin Phoenix and Gwyneth Paltrow.
Totally agree with you on the scene at the end; it's absolutely staggering.
Thanks again. It's a truly incredible film.