Out of the Blue (1980), a film many consider director Dennis Hopper’s masterpiece, has gone largely unseen for over 40 years. The movie is, perhaps, more relevant now than when it was released, focusing on themes of gender identity, domestic abuse, alienation, anger, and more.
The film opens with Don (Dennis Hopper) driving his teenage daughter CeBe (Linda Manz) in his 18-wheeler, just before a tragic accident that kills several children. While her father serves time in prison for causing the accident, CeBe finds solace in the music of Elvis and punk rock, yet feels that all her heroes - Presley, Johnny Rotten, and her dad - have abandoned her. CeBe’s mother Kathy (Sharon Farrell), a junkie who gets too friendly with other men while Don is in a stir, is no help in raising her daughter. CeBe responds with a streak of fierce independence, skipping school, staying out too late, and embracing destructive behavior. Yet once Don is released from prison, CeBe’s life spins dangerously out of control.
After the film’s original director is fired, Hopper took over the directorial duties and quickly recognized that Linda Manz’s tough, raw talent had to become the focus of the picture. Manz’s bravura performance should be remembered as one of the finest and most daring from a young performer blending hard-edged realism, improvisation, and sheer force of will.
Out of the Blue bridges the gaps between the innocence of the Eisenhower era, the psychedelic ‘60s, the aftermath of Vietnam, and the punk rock scene, yet the film also chronicles the angst and disillusionment of both Hopper and America. The movie and this new release prove that Hopper was a gifted filmmaker with a talent for tapping into his own personal demons and perhaps those of his audience. The picture is haunting and disturbing, yet delivers rich rewards upon multiple viewings.
Severin Films and 4K restoration producers John Alan Simon and Elizabeth Karr have assembled a treasure trove of supplemental features (an astonishing 15 hours’ worth) for this release including three audio commentaries, interviews, features, and more.
Out of the Blue is highly recommended for both public and academic libraries whose film collections focus on independent films, especially those which address gender identity and American culture. Community colleges and university libraries, particularly those with film studies programs, should strongly consider this important independent film.
What kind of film collection would this title be suitable for?
Out of the Blue would be a good addition to collections focusing on gender studies, sexual identity, domestic abuse, juvenile issues, and independent film in general.
What academic subjects would this film be suitable for?
Out of the Blue would be a valuable resource for community college and university classes offering classes on film studies and independent films.