40 Facts About The Movie Blue Ruin

The Origin of the Title

The title “Blue Ruin” was inspired by a crumbling beach house in Virginia that the director, Jeremy Saulnier, used to visit as a child. The color blue represents the melancholy and despair that permeates the film.

Independent Filmmaking

“Blue Ruin” is an independent film that was financed through a successful Kickstarter campaign. This allowed the filmmakers to have creative control over the project and bring their vision to life.

The Budget

The film was made on a modest budget of around $420,000, which is impressive considering the high production value and critical acclaim it received.

Genre Blend

“Blue Ruin” is a unique blend of genres, combining elements of revenge thriller and dark comedy. This unconventional combination adds depth and unpredictability to the storyline.

Character-Driven Plot

The film focuses on the character Dwight Evans, played by Macon Blair, who seeks revenge on the man who murdered his parents. The story is driven by Dwight’s actions and emotions, making it a compelling character study.

Cannes Film Festival

Blue Ruin” premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2013, where it received critical acclaim and catapulted Jeremy Saulnier’s career as a director.

Rotten Tomatoes Score

The film holds an impressive 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating widespread acclaim and positive reviews.

Limited Dialogue

“Blue Ruin” relies heavily on visuals and actions to tell the story. The minimal dialogue adds to the tension and allows the audience to interpret the characters’ motivations.

Realistic Violence

The violence depicted in the film is raw and realistic, without excessive stylization. This approach adds to the film’s authenticity and intensifies the impact of the scenes.

Cinematography

The cinematography in “Blue Ruin” is stunning, capturing the bleak landscapes and creating a sense of unease throughout the film.

Sound Design

The sound design in the movie is meticulously crafted to enhance the atmosphere and immerse the audience in the story. The use of silence and subtle ambient sounds adds to the tension and suspense.

Minimalist Score

The film features a minimalist score composed by Brooke Blair and Will Blair, which perfectly complements the dark and suspenseful tone of “Blue Ruin.”

Inspired by Revenge Classics

Jeremy Saulnier drew inspiration from classic revenge films like “Straw Dogs” and “Blood Simple” while crafting the narrative and visual style of “Blue Ruin.

Subverting Expectations

“Blue Ruin” subverts traditional revenge film tropes by showing the messy and unpredictable consequences of seeking vengeance. This adds depth and realism to the story.

Critical Acclaim

The movie received widespread critical acclaim and was praised for its taut storytelling, strong performances, and atmospheric direction.

Independent Spirit Awards

“Blue Ruin” was nominated for a Best Director award at the Independent Spirit Awards, further highlighting its success and recognition in the indie film world.

Cult Following

Over the years, “Blue Ruin” has gained a cult following and is considered a hidden gem among cinephiles who appreciate its unique blend of genres and compelling storytelling.

Emotional Impact

The film resonates emotionally with the audience as it explores themes of loss, grief, and the complexities of seeking revenge.

Critical Analysis

“Blue Ruin” invites critical analysis and discussion about the nature of vengeance, the consequences of violence, and the morality of the characters’ actions.

Expansion of Horizons

Blue Ruin” showcases the talents of director Jeremy Saulnier and introduces him to a wider audience, opening doors for future projects.

Fictitious Locations

Although the film takes place in Virginia, the actual locations were filmed in Delaware and Maryland due to budget constraints.

Character Transformation

Dwight’s journey in “Blue Ruin” involves a transformation from a broken and vengeful man to someone who learns the true cost of revenge.

Visual Symbolism

Jeremy Saulnier utilizes visual symbolism throughout the film to convey deeper meanings and enhance the narrative. Pay close attention to recurring motifs and objects.

Naturalistic Performances

The actors in “Blue Ruin” deliver nuanced and naturalistic performances that add authenticity to the characters and their emotional struggles.

Realistic Approach

The film focuses on the realistic consequences of violence, highlighting the messy and unpredictable nature of revenge.

Chase Sequences

Blue Ruin” features intense and suspenseful chase sequences that keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

Indie Spirit

The movie embodies the independent spirit and DIY ethos of filmmaking, showcasing the talent and creativity that can be achieved with limited resources.

Minimal Set Design

The film’s minimal set design enhances the feeling of desolation and adds to the overall atmosphere of despair.

Twist and Turns

“Blue Ruin” keeps viewers engaged with its unexpected plot twists and turns, ensuring that the story never becomes predictable.

Complex Characters

The characters in the film are multi-dimensional and morally ambiguous, making them more relatable and intriguing.

Slow-Burn Thriller

“Blue Ruin” is a slow-burn thriller that gradually builds tension and suspense as the story unfolds.

Genre Defying

The film defies genre conventions and offers a fresh take on the revenge thriller genre, making it stand out among others in its category.

Authentic Dialogue

The dialogue in “Blue Ruin” is natural and understated, adding to the film’s realism and gritty atmosphere.

Character Study

The film delves deep into the psychology of its characters, exploring their motivations and the emotional toll of their actions.

Limited Release

“Blue Ruin” initially had a limited release but gained momentum through positive word-of-mouth and critical acclaim.

International Recognition

The film garnered international recognition and was praised for its universal themes and powerful storytelling.

Exploration of Family Dynamics

“Blue Ruin” explores the complexities of family dynamics and the lengths one would go to protect their loved ones.

Character-Driven Violence

The violence in the film is driven by the characters’ emotional states and adds to their development and arcs.

Slow Paced

“Blue Ruin” takes a deliberate and slow-paced approach, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in the story and its atmosphere.

Cult Classic Potential

With its unique blend of genres, compelling storytelling, and critical acclaim, “Blue Ruin” has the potential to become a cult classic in the years to come.

Now that you know these 40 fascinating facts about the movie “Blue Ruin,” you can appreciate the film even more. From its humble beginnings as an independent project to its international recognition and critical acclaim, “Blue Ruin” showcases the power of storytelling and the talent of its filmmakers. This genre-defying film serves as a reminder that revenge is a double-edged sword, leading to unexpected consequences and a trail of destruction. So, if you’re a fan of thought-provoking cinema blended with thrilling storytelling, make sure you add “Blue Ruin” to your must-watch list.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “Blue Ruin” is an intense and gripping movie that offers a fresh take on the revenge thriller genre. With its compelling story, strong performances, and expert direction, it has earned its place as a must-watch film.The movie provides a thought-provoking exploration of the consequences of revenge and the cycle of violence. Its realistic portrayal of characters and their motivations adds depth and complexity to the narrative, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats throughout.”Blue Ruin” is a testament to the power of independent cinema, delivering a compelling and visceral experience that leaves a lasting impact. Whether you’re a fan of thrillers or simply appreciate well-crafted storytelling, this movie is definitely worth your time.

FAQs

Q: Is “Blue Ruin” a true story?

A: No, “Blue Ruin” is not based on a true story. It is a fictional film written and directed by Jeremy Saulnier.

Q: Is “Blue Ruin” a horror movie?

A: While “Blue Ruin” has elements of suspense and violence, it is not classified as a horror movie. It falls into the revenge thriller genre, offering a unique and thrilling cinematic experience.

Q: Who stars in “Blue Ruin”?

A: The lead role in “Blue Ruin” is played by Macon Blair, who delivers a powerful and captivating performance as Dwight Evans. Other notable cast members include Devin Ratray, Amy Hargreaves, and Kevin Kolack.

Q: What is the runtime of “Blue Ruin”?

A: “Blue Ruin” has a runtime of approximately 1 hour and 32 minutes.

Q: Can you watch “Blue Ruin” with subtitles?

A: Yes, “Blue Ruin” offers subtitles in various languages, allowing for a wider accessibility to international viewers.