by Les Pendleton, Construction Coordinator
Just a memory you might enjoy. I was responsible for all of the set
construction on BLUE VELVET. I had no idea how off center David Lynch
and the film would be. The main set for Dorothy's apartment was the
largest and David specified how he wanted arranged in the sound stage.
It was the smallest sound stage on the DEG lot due to such a tiny
budget. It would not fit the way he requested due to A/C equipment
located on the end of the building opposite the entrance. I mentioned
this to Patty Norris, the production designer and asked her if it would
be OK to rotate the set 180 degrees so it would fit as designed. She
said do it. I asked if she wanted me to mention it to David and she
said she would do it.
Well, the next morning David came to the set and
blew a cork. In reality, David blowing a cork is like Pat Boone being
upset over a pimple. "Les, this will never do...never do..." I
replied, "why not, the camera doesn't have a compass built into it...it
will appear exactly the same on film." He responded..now
desperate..."In my dream....I'm standing outside of the sound stage
looking in....don't you see.....?" All we needed was Rod Serling and
the Twilight Zone theme to make it complete. Anyway, thought you might
enjoy that true story.
