Mysteries of Love (2002)

Simply Perfect

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

We start off with a great interview with Kyle MacLachlan explaining how he did not know Lynch's work but found him "friendly" and "available". In fact, the documentary is just full of great interviews with all the key cast. And we learn the importance of Bob's Big Boy.Dennis Hopper informs us that "I am Frank Booth", Laura Dern and Isabella Rosselini add their input. We get some classic clips of reviews, and Siskel trumps Ebert on this one -- I hope Ebert later realized he misjudged the film. And it was awesome how the producer had to start his own distribution company to get it released.I know others have criticized the lack of Lynch in this, but I would say the archive footage says as much or more as he would twenty years later. What would have changed? Not much.

Schwarz's "Mysteries of Love" is a wonderful reminiscence by the cast and film-makers of the landmark movie "Blue Velvet". Lynch does not participate in the new footage, but is more than adequately represented by clips from interviews from the time of the film's release. In contrast to most DVD-extras (wherein the cast and producers lavish obviously forced or perfunctory praise on the director or their co-workers) these participants seem genuine in their appreciation of Lynch and his work, and offer hype-free insights into the production process and into Lynch's direction. Blue Velvet is an "important film" and is well-represented by this set of interviews.

I'm sorry but I didn't like this doc very much. I can think of a million ways it could have been better. The people who made it obviously don't have much imagination. The interviews aren't very interesting and no real insight is offered. The footage isn't assembled in a very informative way, either. It's too bad because this is a movie that really deserves spellbinding special features. One thing I'll say is that Isabella Rosselini gets more beautiful the older she gets. All considered, this only gets a '4.'

I love Blue Velvet. It's one of the greatest films of the 1980s. I watch it endlessly, trying to make sense of the great Lynchian moments. I got an advance copy of the new DVD with this documentary on it and am unfortunately still perplexed. There are current but not especially informative interviews with most of the cast but David Lynch only shows up in archival footage. What a pity. Sad to say that this doesn't shed much light on solving the mystery of David Lynch's best film and will probably serve as the last word on the film. Rather lackluster.