Watch Out of the Blue

Out of the Blue is a powerful, emotional drama directed by Dennis Hopper about a troubled family in the aftermath of a tragedy. The film follows the story of a young girl named Cebe, played by Linda Manz, who is struggling to find her place in the world. Her mother, Kathy (Sharon Farrell), is a washed-up former groupie who is more interested in partying and sleeping around than taking care of her daughter, and her father, Don (Dennis Hopper), is a convicted murderer serving time in prison.

The film opens with a montage of news footage and real-life events, including the death of Elvis Presley, which sets the tone for the film. We are introduced to Cebe, a rebellious teenager who idolizes Elvis and listens to punk rock. She wears leather jackets and rides her bike around town, trying to distance herself from her troubled family.

When Kathy is released from prison, she returns to their dilapidated home in Vancouver, which is littered with garbage and covered in graffiti. She tries to reconnect with Cebe, but their relationship is strained, and Cebe is more interested in hanging out with her punk rock friends. Cebe's grandfather, played by Raymond Burr, tries to be a stabilizing influence in her life, but his efforts are in vain.

As the film progresses, we see the family dynamic deteriorating further. Don is released from prison and returns home, but he is unable to cope with his guilt and the aftermath of his crime. He begins drinking heavily and becomes increasingly violent towards Kathy, which causes Cebe to lash out in her own way.

The film is a raw, unflinching look at a dysfunctional family and the impact of trauma and abuse. Linda Manz's performance as Cebe is powerful and heartbreaking, capturing the complexity of a teenage girl trying to navigate her own emotions while dealing with the adults in her life. Dennis Hopper's performance as Don is also noteworthy, as he portrays a man struggling with his own demons and the consequences of his actions.

The film also features an excellent soundtrack, with songs from Neil Young, The Ramones, and The Sex Pistols, which add to the film's gritty, punk rock aesthetic. The cinematography is also notable, with the use of handheld cameras and natural lighting giving the film a documentary-style feel.

Out of the Blue is a film that is not easy to watch, but it is a powerful and important portrayal of family dysfunction and the impact of trauma on children. The film raises important questions about responsibility, guilt, and the cycle of abuse, making it a poignant and thought-provoking piece of cinema.

Out of the Blue is a 1981 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 78.