Lynch’s fourth film came inthe wake of his greatest failure.
The film was ultimately a critical and commercial failure, and Lynch has deemed it a disappointment.
For his next film, he resolved to work with a smaller budget to avoid studio interference.
Image via De Laurentiis Entertainment Group
What Is ‘Blue Velvet’ About?
MacLachlan plays Jeffrey Beaumont - a college student returning to his hometown to visit his ailing father.
There, he makes a horrific discovery: a severed human ear in a vacant lot.
The discovery of a severed human ear found in a field leads a young man on an investigation related to a beautiful, mysterious nightclub singer and a group of psychopathic criminals who have kidnapped her child.
Investigating the ear, he enters a sinister criminal underworld.
The film also stars a number of Lynch regulars, includingFrances Bay,Brad Dourif, andJack Nance.
Although it is now considered a classic of American cinema,Blue Velvetwas extremely controversial upon its release.
It featured shocking scenes of violence and depravity, paired with Lynch’s off-kilter humor.
Respected critics likeRoger EbertandMark Kermodepanned it, but Lynch was nominated for a Best Director Oscar.
Blue Velvetwillstream on Max starting January 1, 2025.
Until then, the film is available to stream on Tubi.
