SHOCK FILMS
I take offense with the theory proposed by Patrick Goldstein that the movie-going audience wants to be fed pablum and that’s why we are afraid and repulsed by films such as “Blue Velvet” (Hollywood Signs: “No One Is Up for a Downer,” Dec. 28).
“Blue Velvet,” one of the most boring and banal films of this, or any year, wins my Emperor’s New Clothes Award for 1986.
We have become such a sophisticated and jaded audience that sometimes shock value alone becomes a selling point. The film became trendy, an expression of hip to accept Lynch’s grotesque parody of American life.
Surprisingly (or not, maybe), it’s on everyone’s 10 best lists. Only Roger Ebert exposed it as the boring film it really was.
Mr. Goldstein, if you want to get really scared by a film, go see “Sid and Nancy.” Real life is a lot more scary than David Lynch’s playpen.
DONNA NOOGER
Venice
Only good movies
Get the Indie Focus newsletter, Mark Olsen's weekly guide to the world of cinema.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
