David Lynch is widely recognized as a master of cinema, revered for his distinctive style and haunting narratives. Young actress Laura Dern was incredibly excited to take part in her first collaboration with him, starring in the iconic 1986 psychological horror-noir film, Blue Velvet. This groundbreaking movie, which follows a college student discovering a severed ear and unearthing the disturbing realities of his seemingly peaceful suburban town, divided critics and audiences at the time of its release. However, it has since become celebrated as a cinematic masterpiece, continuously analyzed in film studies across various educational institutions.
In bringing Blue Velvet to life, Lynch assembled a remarkable ensemble cast that included Kyle MacLachlan, Isabella Rossellini, Dennis Hopper, and Laura Dern, who was in the midst of launching her acting career. Not only did Dern credit this project with propelling her into the spotlight, but she also shared the significant challenge she faced when taking on the role, sacrificing her educational pursuits in the process.
UCLA’s Ultimatum: Laura Dern’s Choice Between Blue Velvet and Academia
Laura Dern’s Dilemma: A Grudge Against UCLA Yet Firm in Her Decision
Born into a family of notable actors—Bruce Dern and Diane Ladd—Laura Dern’s path into acting began early. She appeared in films as a child, including the noteworthy 1980 film Foxes starring Jodie Foster. However, it wasn’t until her teenage years that she fully embraced her acting aspirations. Following a commendable performance in Mask (1985), Dern booked the significant role of Sandy Williams in Blue Velvet at just 17 years old. The timing was critical as she had just enrolled in UCLA, only two days prior to securing the role.
In the film, Dern’s character Sandy represents innocence amidst a cast of morally ambiguous figures. Her relationship with Jeffrey (Kyle MacLachlan) draws them into a treacherous investigation surrounding the severed ear, leading them through a narrative steeped in danger and darkness. Dern’s portrayal as the hopeful Sandy contrasts starkly with the film’s unsettling themes, allowing her to shine as a beacon of purity in an otherwise sordid environment.
In a recent conversation on the podcast Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Woody Harrelson and Ted Danson, Dern recounted her struggle when she requested a leave of absence from UCLA to film Blue Velvet. Her request was resolutely denied, with the department head initially dismissing her reasoning.
“First of all, if you make this choice, you are no longer welcome at UCLA. You’ll be out. But secondly, having read this script, that you would give up your college education for this is insane.”
She went on to express an amusing irony: despite the college denying her permission, the film has since become a staple of their film studies curriculum.
“Today, if you want to get a masters in film at that school, when you write a thesis there are three movies you are required to study, and you know what one of them is… Pisses me off.”
While the decision to leave UCLA was undoubtedly grave, it is evident that Dern’s choice to act in Blue Velvet was pivotal. The film’s influential legacy not only cemented Lynch’s standing in the industry but also opened up further creative avenues, leading to the now-classic series Twin Peaks.
The Beginning of a Lasting Creative Partnership: Dern and Lynch
Dern’s Ongoing Collaborations with David Lynch
Following the success of Blue Velvet, Laura Dern and David Lynch collaborated on three additional projects. In 1990, she starred as Lula Pace Fortune in Lynch’s surreal road film Wild at Heart, opposite Nicolas Cage. Their performance as a couple on the run earned critical acclaim and the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, further solidifying its cult status over the years.
In 2006, Dern was featured in Lynch’s perplexing thriller Inland Empire, where she navigated the complexities of dual identities as Nikki Grace/Sue Blue, showcasing her considerable range. This film marks Lynch’s last major feature to date. More recently, in 2017, Dern reunited with her Blue Velvet co-star Kyle MacLachlan for Lynch’s revival of Twin Peaks, portraying Diane Evans, further intertwining their professional narratives.
While Lynch currently faces health challenges that complicate his ability to direct, he has maintained that retirement isn’t on his horizon. Should an opportunity arise for him to direct again, it’s likely that Laura Dern would be eager to step back into a collaboration, a testament to their enduring artistic relationship rooted in the transformative experience of Blue Velvet.
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