Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Blue Velvet - David Lynch
Like many of the independent film makers we have learned about thus far, David Lynch pushes the boundaries on what is understood as a great film. He created new ideas in how to lead the viewer into emotions. Most notably, Lynch excels at presenting conflicting subject matter that reflect the duality in the human experience. Lynch is able to coerce emotions from the viewer by guiding them through familiar conflictions that become increasing as each scene passes. Lynch's style in film making can easily be seen in the opening shot of Blue Velvet. The shot falls down to red roses in front of a white picket fence. The beauty and natural grace of the roses are juxtaposed by the man made geometrical, sterile object. David Lynch is a creator that understand the beauty of struggle, and knows how to draw his audiences attention.
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This wasn't the first movie I've watched where I wondered exactly what the year was. But that's okay. It gives a (to me at least) a sort of vague quality time-wise, as if it could have been in any year from 1955 to 1986.
ReplyDeleteI'd never seen this movie before, even though I'd heard and read about it. I'm not sure why I never bothered to see it, but I never did. I was very pleasantly surprised, as it's always interesting to see straight-laced types get into incredible messes. This movie seemed to me like a 1980s update of noir film. The use of the lighting, and the musical cues gave it a 40s type suspense.
It was disappointing as well as interesting to see Jeffrey fall for both Dorothy and Sandy. Kyle, as wholesome as he seems, also seems to have an interest in the darker side of things. His curiosity might get him killed someday. But hopefully he and Sandy live happily ever after.
I really enjoyed this film and understand why it's so notable. The violence and the sex wasn't what I had expected. But as Jeffrey noted, there are horrible people in the world. I usually agree with Ebert's reviews, but this is one of those occasions where I don't. There was a visual lushness and sensuality about this film. The sex scenes between Dorothy and Jeffrey were violent and strange, and the romantic scenes with Sandy were just right, I thought.
I didn't get to ask my questions but here they are. Question 1 Was the shot of the bugs in the beginning a methaphor for what Jeffrey was going to uncover? This questions was partially asked and answered in class. Question 2 with a budget of about 6 mil dollars does this movie still qualify as and indie movie?
ReplyDeleteIf I had never seen a David Lynch film (which I haven't until this week) what characteristics would you say to look for that make it a David Lynch film? What are a couple of things about Blue Velvet that would make it an Indy film besides the production? Last question...why do you think Frank dressed up as a business man with a briefcase in this movie?
ReplyDeleteI agree with Gloria in that the time period of this film was a tad hazy for me. In my opinion, if felt very 60s or 70s to me based upon the music and idealism shown in the town. I wondered what Jeffrey's father's stroke really had to do with the choices in which Jeffrey made. Like was he this hyper-curious guy while away at college, or did being back in his hometown just bring out that desire? Budget wise, I think this movie still classifies as Indie because even the textbook brings out at times that $ is not the largest determining factor, indie characteristics are. I think this film was very character driven which makes it more Indie and the sheer disturbing/contrasting images are what really make it "Indie."
ReplyDeleteAs regards to the questions, In short I due believe the bugs in the beginning were a metaphor for what was going to be uncovered. I also believe it was a nod to the natural balance that sometimes goes unnoticed to daily interactions. Also regards to having a larger budget for this film, I still believe it can be regarded as an independent film. This is such that the indie genre has outgrown its original meaning and has encompassed a wider stylized approach to cinema.
ReplyDeleteBlue Velvet seemed completely like my idea of an independent film. It was strange, troubling, and a bit bizarre. It had so many unusual events with the ear, Dennis Hopper's behavior, and Jeffry's relationship with the two women. I enjoyed watching the movie because it twisted and turned so many ways that you didn't know what was going to happen next.
ReplyDeleteBugs feed on stuff we find gross. Jeff's curiosity fed on the deep, horrifying secrets of his hometown. Conclusion? We are bugs, but more durable.
ReplyDelete