David Lynch’s “Blue Velvet” is a new-age film noir with a heavy storyline that keeps you guessing and guessing. The film incorporates the use of symbolism to convey the theme of the cruel world impeding on Jeffery’s life. Bugs and insects are a reoccurring symbol throughout the film which represents the harsh and evil world that Jeffrey is soon to experience.
The opening scene of “Blue Velvet” is where we first encounter the use of bugs as a symbol. In this scene Jeffery’s father collapses and the camera zooms into the ground showing bugs and beetles crawling around in the dirt. This symbolizes the evil which is lying just beneath Jeffrey’s feet. The bugs underneath the ground show how close heinous people are to Jeffrey without him even noticing. There are also bugs covering the ear that Jeffrey finds while he’s walking back to his house, they represent the evil which engulfs the mysterious story of the ear. Another scene where we see the use of bugs is when Jeffrey first enters Dorothy Vallens’ apartment dressed in the exterminator costume. This is the first time Jeffrey comes face to face with Dorothy and is our introduction to the evil world which exists in Jeffery’s suburban neighborhood. The attire and hair as well as the makeup used by Dorothy Vallens appears in some scenes as very beetle like or bug like, using thick eye shadow and bold black hair which pops of off her very pale complexion. The character of Frank also looks very bug like when he wears his mask. The last use of bugs as a symbol was in the last shot when the robin had the beetle in its mouth while perched outside the window. This symbolized the defeat of evil and the return of peace by the robin.
“Blue Velvet” used the symbol of bugs to drive the plot, using them as a representation of lingering evil. The film was consistent with using bugs as a motif for wicked people like Frank, who abused and humiliated Dorothy. David Lynch did a spectacular job at using symbolism to drive the messages and themes behind the movie. Overall, the film incorporated a new age noir feel, touching upon a very controversial topic while also using symbols and motifs to guide the viewer into an unforgettable experience.
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