Posted by: BoyScoutKevin
« on: October 30, 2012, 06:43:51 PM »
In this corner, we have David Lynch's "Blue Velvet,"
and in this corner, we have Ken Russell's "Lair of the White Worm."
Both alike in similiarity, as we shall soon see.
Acting
In both films, the best acting is done by the villain or villainess.
Blue Velvet: Dennis Hopper as Frank Booth.
Lair of the White Worm: Amanda Donohoe as Lady Sylvia Marsh.
Casting
Both directors like to cast actors they used previously in their films.
Blue Velvet: Jack Nance, etc.
Lair of the White Worm: Imogen Claire, Christopher Gable, etc.
Characters
Both films have the character of a bent copper.
Cinematography
Both directors make good use of the close-up.
Comedy
While both films have their funny moments, "Lair of the Whte Worm" is probably the more humorous of the two.
Costumes
While both films are set in contemporary times, . . .
Blue Velvet: no significance to what the characters wear.
Lair of the White Worm: some significance to what each character wears.
the copper -- the female virgin (i.e. the nun) -- the male virgin (i.e. the Christian scout) -- the military man -- the older sister -- the Scotsman -- the seductress -- the servant.
Criticism
Both films were hated by film critic Roger Ebert.
Double entendre
Both films make use of the double entendre.
Editing
Here "Lair of the White Worm" is superior. For if, "Blue Velvet" is the more confusing of the two films, then part of the confusion is due to the way it was edited.
Flashbacks
Both films use flashbacks to move the story forward.
Heroes
Both films have heroes whose sexuality is questionable.
Blue Velvet: the hero is thought to be homosexual, "Have you come out of the closet yet?" but actually may be heterosexual.
Lair of the White Worm: the hero is thought to be heterosexual, but actually may be homosexual. The ending.
Lighting
Both directors use lighting to set mood.
To be continued . . .