Blue Velvet

1986 • 120 minutes

About this movie

If you’ve never taken a trip into the mind of director David Lynch, this is the place to start. At once beautiful, horrifying, erotic and surreal, this 1986 controversial masterpiece is about the evils that can exist in even the most perfect of places. When college student Jeffrey Beaumont (Kyle MacLachlan) investigates a mystery in his small town, he unwittingly opens the door to an underworld of murder, sex, kidnapping and blackmail. Dennis Hopper gives one of the big screen’s most unforgettable performances as Frank Booth, a twisted drug sniffing villain with (how does one put it delicately?) “mommy issues.” Voted “one of the greatest films of all time” by Entertainment Weekly.

Ratings and reviews

Juxtaposition is the word here. While it starts in typical small town America, white picket fences and all, you are quickly thrown down the rabbit hole into a nightmare of violence and depravity. While it works as a film noir, it excels as a horror film. Frank Booth is easily scarier than any slasher villain, and all he does is scream and get high on helium.

A masterful look into Americana. The movie consists of two layers, the interior and exterior. On the outside is the friendly logging town, where everything is idyllic and innocent. But what lays underneath is a twisted underbelly of sexual abuse and violence. The movie similarly tricks you into thinking the film will be innocent, yet when you discover what's really going on, it's hard not to be shocked. It's a brilliant, and honest film.

OUTSTANDING!!! This is a masterpiece. I have watched it several times and more and more wonderful details pop out each time. All of the characters were wonderful. I loved Dennis Hopper's performance the most. Kyle MacLachlan was also awesome. It was also fun to see several other of actors that have been in a lot of David Lynch films. I just love the air of mystery and the overall clash of innocence and darkness. Very well directed and acted!!! Five starts all the way!