She Likes to Watch

Cult classic “Blue Velvet” screens tonight in San Luis Obispo

Surreal. Sexual. Strongly disturbing.

Those words could only describe one of David Lynch’s most fascinating films, “Blue Velvet.“

When college student Jeffrey Beaumont (Kyle MacLachlan)  discovers a severed human ear in a vacant lot  grass field in his small, quaint North Carolina hometown, he decides to launch his own investigation — with the help of high school student Sandy Williams (Laura Dern), the daughter of the police detective on the case.

As Jeffrey delves into the mystery, he’s drawn into a vouyeristic criminal underworld populated by a mysterious night club singer (Isabella Rossellini), her savage, sociopathic lover, Frank Booth (Dennis Hopper), and his gang of twisted miscreants involved in murder, rape, kidnapping and drugs.

Considered one of Lynch’s greatest works and a leading example of the neo-noir style,  “Blue Velvet” has become a cult classic due to its dark, atmospheric plot, moody cinematography, memorable soundtrack and intense performances. Sometimes the latter two categories combine — as in the now-famous scene in which Dean Stockwell lipsynchs to Roy Orbison’s “In Dreams.”

What’s more, the movie can be credited with launching Laura Dern’s adult acting career and reigniting Dennis Hopper’s.

It also established Isabella Rossellini, already known as one of our generation’s greatest beauties, as a fiercely talented actress. Bravo, David Lynch!

“Blue Velvet” screens tonight at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. at the Palm Theatre, 817 Palm St. in San Luis Obispo. Tickets are $7.50.

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Did you miss “Simply Raw” in March?

Here’s another chance to watch the documentary aimed at Americans struggling with diabetes.

“Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days” follows six people diagnosed with diabetes who switch to a diet consisting solely of vegan, organic, live, raw food.

They spend a month at the Tree of Life Rejuvenation Center in Patagonia, Ariz., with Dr. Gabriel Cousens. They give up meat, dairy, sugar, alcohol, nicotine and caffeine, as well as processed, packaged and cooked food.

You can follow their culinary journey Friday night at the Community Center, 600 Main Street in Templeton.

The event kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with some raw food goodies, followed by the film at 7 p.m.

Then, at 8:30 p.m., there’s a question-and-answer session with raw food fantatics from San Luis Obispo and the Transition North County Food Workgroup.

Call 369-0203 or visit www.hopedance.org for details.

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Friday also features a screening of the documentary “A Question of Power” – presented by the anti-nuke group San Luis Obispo Mothers for Peace.

Written, produced and directed by David Brown, the film chronicles the non-violent protests held between 1979 and 1986 against the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant. It’s narrated by actor Peter Coyote.

Audiences will have the chance to chat with the director at Friday’s screening. They’ll also meet some of the activists involved in the Diablo Blockade of 1979 — which drew over 40,000 protestors to Avila Beach — and a 1984 protest that resulted in more than 1,000 arrests. 

“A Question of Power” screens at 7 p.m. Friday at the San Luis Obispo County Library, 995 Palm St. in San Luis Obispo. A $5 donation is suggested.

For more information, call 544-8112.

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Are you ready to rock?

There’s still time to sign up for the first-ever Air Guitar Competition, sponsored by Traditional Tattoo of San Luis Obispo.

Simply pick a song and perform it on air guitar this Saturday at Downtown Brewing Company, 1119 Garden St. in San Luis Obispo.

The first-place winner will receive a $500 gift certificate from Traditional Tattoo — good for both tats and piercings. (Don’t want ink? Give it to one of your wilder friends.)

Runners-up get a $200 gift certificate, or the first season of TV’s “Little House on the Prairie” on DVD.

You can’t lose!

You can sign up by stopping by either of Traditional Tattoo’s two locations, 956 Foothill Blvd., Unit C, or 251 Higuera St. in San Luis Obispo.

Call Lou at (518) 796-5161 immediately for more details.