Out of the Blue (1980 film)


Out of the Blue is a 1980 Canadian drama film directed by and starring Dennis Hopper. The film was Produced by Leonard Yakir and written by Leonard Yakir and Brenda Nielson. The title is taken from the Neil Young song "My My, Hey Hey ". It competed for the Palme d'Or at the 1980 Cannes Film Festival.

Plot

The film centers on Cebe, a rebellious and troubled young girl, played by Linda Manz — interested only in Elvis Presley and punk rock music — as well as her ex-convict father Don Barnes, and her high-strung mother Kathy.

Cast

This was the first film Hopper directed since 1971's The Last Movie; he stepped in at the last minute to replace the original director.
The film was made in Vancouver, and various icons of Vancouver in that era are featured in the film, including the Pointed Sticks, one of the leading bands of Vancouver's punk era.

Release

Out of the Blue was released in competition at the Cannes Film Festival on May 5, 1980. It was later released in Paris on April 15, 1981, New York on April 8, 1983 and in Vancouver.

Reception

Film Critic Jonathan Rosenbaum considers Out of the Blue one of the 15 best films of the 1980s. Manz's performance is still lauded, decades later. Roger Ebert wrote that "the movie escalates so relentlessly toward its violent, nihilistic conclusion that when it comes, we believe it."

In popular culture

The song "Kill All Hippies" from Scottish rock band Primal Scream's 2000 album XTRMNTR features a sample of Manz' dialogue from the movie.