Laura Derns College Forced Her to Drop Out Over David Lynch’s Blue Velvet

by

Laura Derns College Forced Her to Drop Out Over David Lynch's Blue Velvet

As a huge fan of both Laura Dern and David Lynch, I can’t help but be in awe of the serendipitous yet bittersweet journey that began with Dern’s role in Blue Velvet. The film, which marked her breakthrough performance, ultimately forced her to abandon her college dreams at UCLA.

I was thrilled about starting my college journey at UCLA, majoring in psychology with a minor in journalism. But little did I know, fate had other plans for me. A few days into my freshman year, I received an unexpected offer: a role in David Lynch’s film “Blue Velvet.” I was over the moon about it and asked for a leave of absence from UCLA to focus on this opportunity. Sadly, they wouldn’t grant it, leaving me no choice but to abandon my college experience at that moment. Now, as I reflect on this during a heartfelt chat with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson on their podcast “Where Everybody Knows Your Name,” I can’t help but feel a bittersweet nostalgia for what could have been – had I not followed my dreams and embraced the twists and turns life threw at me.

He responded, “I’ll take a peek at the script if you insists on giving it to me, but I must warn you, granted leave will not be granted in this situation. It’s not an emergency situation.”

After perusing Lynch’s “Blue Velvet” script, the head of the film department expressed skepticism and cautioned her against abandoning her education for the production, deeming it a foolish decision. The actress from “Big Little Lies” shares this recollection.

If you decide on this path, I regret to inform you that UCLA will no longer be an option for you. You’ll have to leave. Moreover, considering the consequences of your actions as outlined in this script, giving up your college education for it seems utterly irrational.

I can’t believe it when I think about it: the very movie that once halted my college dreams is now a staple in UCLA’s film course. Frankly, this knowledge brings an unwelcome sense of irritation to me as an Academy Award-winning actress.

Based on my personal experience and two-day visit to that film school, I must express my disappointment about the requirement for a master’s thesis. If you aspire to earn a masters degree in film at this institution, be aware that there are three specific movies you need to study extensively. And guess what one of them is? It’s a movie that leaves me utterly frustrated. My advice is to choose wisely and consider other educational opportunities if this particular title doesn’t resonate with your passion for cinema.

Blue Velvet’s Impactful JourneyLaura Derns College Forced Her to Drop Out Over David Lynch's Blue Velvet

I was drawn back to my quaint hometown by the allure of college life, little did I know that a dark secret lay hidden beneath its tranquil surface. One fateful day, as I wandered through a nearby field, I stumbled upon an unsettling discovery – a severed human ear. Intrigued and disturbed, I found myself embarking on a dangerous journey of investigation.

Back in 1986, I first encountered “Blue Velvet” during its initial release. Some critics hailed it as a groundbreaking and daring work, while others were left puzzled by its unsettling and dark undertones – traits that have become Lynch’s trademark. Regardless of the polarized responses, this film brought Lynch his second Academy Award nomination and garnered him numerous other accolades. Dern’s performance as Sandy was highly commended as well. Over time, “Blue Velvet” has evolved into a cult classic.

Blue Velvet is a thought-provoking film that merits analysis on college campuses due to its unique combination of genres, innovative narrative style, and dreamlike imagery. The unsettling portrayal of dark undercurrents beneath the facade of a tranquil suburban community resonates with Lynch’s broader body of work.

After their successful collaboration on “Blue Velvet,” Dern and Lynch went on to work together on various projects. They teamed up for “Wild at Heart” in 1990, which was awarded the Palme d’Or and starred Dern’s mother, Diane Ladd. In 2006, they joined forces again for “Inland Empire.” More recently, in 2017, Dern appeared in “Twin Peaks: The Return,” portraying the character of Diane Evans, who was Agent Cooper’s (MacLachlan) secretary.

Read More

2024-07-26 02:32