Blue Velvet

Name: Blue Velvet
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Released: September 19, 1986
Duration: 120 min
Rating: 76
Cast: Dennis Hopper, Isabella Rossellini, Kyle MacLachlan

1986

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 15 Critic Reviews

See All

USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 220 Ratings

See All

7.8

VOTE NOW

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

7.8	Your Score
7.8	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 220 Ratings

Would you like to write a review?

There is a 75 character minimum for reviews. If your review contains spoilers, please check the Spoiler box. Please do not use ALL CAPS. There is no linking or other HTML allowed. Your review may be edited for content. 0/5000

Check box if your review contains spoilers

Play Sound

Please enter your birth date to watch this video:

You are not allowed to view this material at this time.

Blue Velvet

Now Playing: Blue Velvet

Movie Details & Credits

De Laurentiis Entertainment Group (DEG) | Release Date: September 19, 1986 | R

Starring: Dennis Hopper, Isabella Rossellini, Kyle MacLachlan

Summary: Set in a small American town, Blue Velvet is a dark, sensuous mystery involving the intertwining lives of four very different individuals. The film's painful realism reminds us that we are not immune to the disturbing events which transpire in Blue Velvet's sleepy community. There is a darker side of life waiting for us all. (DeSet in a small American town, Blue Velvet is a dark, sensuous mystery involving the intertwining lives of four very different individuals. The film's painful realism reminds us that we are not immune to the disturbing events which transpire in Blue Velvet's sleepy community. There is a darker side of life waiting for us all. (De Laurentiis Entertainment Group Inc.)… Expand

Director: David Lynch

Genre(s): Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Rating: R

Runtime: 120 min

See All Details and Credits

More You Might Like

The Zodiac

Blow Out

The Presidio

Dressed to Kill

Velvet Buzzsaw

Watch Now

Buy On

Metascore

Positive:

Mixed:

Negative:

Critic Reviews

100

Jamie Graham

Isabella Rossellini’s singer Dorothy is a heart-rending open wound, Dennis Hopper’s Frank Booth one of cinema’s great nutjobs, and Lynch’s control a thing of nightmarish beauty. Read full review

100

Sheila Benson

The most brilliantly disturbing film ever to have its roots in small-town American life. [19 September 1986, Calendar, p.6-1]

100

Elvis Mitchell

As fascinating as it is freakish. It confirms Mr. Lynch's stature as an innovator, a superb technician, and someone best not encountered in a dak alley. [19 September 1986]

Staff (Not credited)

Hopper creates a flabbergasting portrait of unrepentent, irredeemable evil. Read full review

Film.com John Hartl

An exhilarating piece of popular entertainment.

Marjorie Baumgarten

You either think it's dementedly wild at heart or a lost highway to nowhere.

Roger Ebert

So strong, so shocking and yet so audacious that people walk out shaking their heads; they don't know quite what to make of it. Read full review

SEE ALL 15 REVIEWS

Write a Review

User Reviews

AlienSpaceBats

Oct 11, 2011

Rich symbolism, artistic cinematography and excellent Lynchian surrealism. I don't want to say more, words fall short of describing this film - a masterpiece.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

Dragoonale

Oct 15, 2018

Blue Velvet will always remain my favorite film of all time. The characters are remarkable and explored, but most of the explanations are not said aloud. Jeffrey, Frank, and Ben are all examples of mysterious characters that we simply are informed outright about. You have to put togetherBlue Velvet will always remain my favorite film of all time. The characters are remarkable and explored, but most of the explanations are not said aloud. Jeffrey, Frank, and Ben are all examples of mysterious characters that we simply are informed outright about. You have to put together Frank and Ben's character for yourself, as the film does not do it for you. The idea of darkness lingering under a peaceful, and nostalgic town is something that builds the foundation for some of Lynch's later works. This film has numerous unique scenes that stick with you, and for me it was particularly the scene at Ben's house. This film manages to mix feelings of happiness, fear, creepiness, and a lurking eeriness that brings the whole thing together. Not to mention the unique way David Lynch has his characters interact with one another. Overall this film will always remain as a foundation for my viewing pleasures.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Jul 15, 2006

It's hard to find the words to describe the experience of watching Blue Velvet. The film is simply a masterpiece.

2 of 3 users found this helpful

KateG.

Dec 22, 2007

Brilliant movie, and extremely well-done by one of the greatest directors in America. We are lured into this false sense of security, and then eventually presented with dark, depraved and extremely disturbing underworld.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

Spangle

Jun 6, 2015

A combination of neo-noir, mystery, Lynch, and surrealism, Blue Velvet is an incredible work that is as great as it is odd. In David Lynch films, if something can be weird, it will be weird. This is very much the case in Blue Velvet, especially in scenes with Dennis Hopper, who is incredibleA combination of neo-noir, mystery, Lynch, and surrealism, Blue Velvet is an incredible work that is as great as it is odd. In David Lynch films, if something can be weird, it will be weird. This is very much the case in Blue Velvet, especially in scenes with Dennis Hopper, who is incredible here in an entirely unhinged performance. Kyle MacLachlan, Isabella Rossellini, and Laura Dern, are also all really good. Honestly, though this one is weird, I found it to be one of the more straight forward David Lynch films. Sure, there is a lot beneath the surface here that I cannot even begin to understand, but unlike in his other works I have seen, there is a plotline I can follow and understand without having to dive too deep to derive meaning here, which I liked. Though, this one certainly could be a fun one to analyze upon further viewings. Incredibly symbolic (robins, anyone?), Blue Velvet is a brilliantly written and directed piece of work that is incredibly unsettling, but entirely gripping throughout.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

ERG1008

Sep 1, 2010

Man returns home after his father becomes ill. He finds an ear in a field whilst walking home & decides to find out more.
Dennis Hopper is brilliant as the brutal Frank Booth & Kyle MacLachlan & Laura Dern are also good. However, Isabella Rossellini is plain awful & looks like Tim Curry inMan returns home after his father becomes ill. He finds an ear in a field whilst walking home & decides to find out more.
Dennis Hopper is brilliant as the brutal Frank Booth & Kyle MacLachlan & Laura Dern are also good. However, Isabella Rossellini is plain awful & looks like Tim Curry in The Rocky Horror Show!
Lynch weirdness as expected but not as good as some of his other work
Don't you f**king look at me!!!!… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Corbey

Sep 14, 2016

This movie is the worst I've seen in a very long time. No sense comes from it and the acting is awkward and down right bad. The plot is undeveloped with obvious holes. If the score had a minus value it would be used here. Do not waste you time or life watching this utter drivel.

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

SEE ALL 44 REVIEWS