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Cool Blue
Cool Blue
Cool Blue
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Cool Blue
American VHS box art
Directed byMark Mullin
Richard Shepard
Written byMark Mullin
Richard Shepard
StarringWoody Harrelson
Hank Azaria
Ely Pouget
Sean Penn
Edited byRobin Katz
Release dates
  • September 1989 (1989-09) (Greece)
  • February 27, 1990 (1990-02-27) (United States)
Running time
90 minutes[1]
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Cool Blue is a 1989 American romantic comedy film directed by Mark Mullin and Richard Shepard, and stars Woody Harrelson, Hank Azaria, Ely Pouget and Sean Penn.[2]

Plot

[edit]

An aspiring painter named Dustin Pennett is on a search for love, sex, and inspiration when he meets a woman named Christiane at an art gallery. They spend the night together at her apartment, but the next morning she has disappeared, leaving Dustin heartbroken. He visits her family home in Southern California and learns from her younger sister that Christiane ran away at a young age after having an abortion, also finding out that "Christiane's" apartment was actually a display room she had broken them into.

Dustin returns home to Los Angeles and, after confiding in Phil, a plumber who has seen Dustin at his local pub, about his issues with Christiane, finds success painting portraits of her from memory, idealizing her as his true love. Dustin's best friend, a struggling writer named Buzz, envies his friend's newfound success. After Dustin easily beds Cathy, a woman Buzz has been chasing for two years, Buzz angrily shouts at Dustin and threatens him with a pool cue during a drunken argument.

Christiane returns to the gallery and finds Dustin's paintings of her, including a nude one which she slashes. She then breaks into his apartment and throws blue paint on him. Christiane says that they had a meaningless encounter and complains that the paintings are interfering with her life. Dustin responds that he painted them because their night together meant something to him and he wants to get to know her as a person.

After making up with Buzz, Dustin ditches a show planned for him in New York by his manager Paul in order to meet Christiane at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The film ends with a shot of Dustin and Christiane embracing.

Cast

[edit]

Home media

[edit]

Filmed in mid-1988 in Los Angeles, Cool Blue was picked up for domestic distribution by RCA-Columbia and Epic Home Video in late 1989. It was first released in the US on February 27, 1990, on pay-per-view and cable TV. On March 7, it was released in the US on VHS and LaserDisc, however it was first released in Greece on VHS in September 1989. In 1991, the film was released on VHS in Australia and the UK.

It was not released on DVD until March 13, 2012, when MGM Home Entertainment released a remastered widescreen version as part of their Limited Edition Collection, with a trailer as the only special feature.

References

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Cool Blue

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from Grokipedia
Cool Blue is a American independent film co-directed and co-written by first-time filmmakers Mark Mullin and . The story centers on Dustin, a struggling painter in played by in one of his earliest leading roles, who has a fleeting romantic encounter with the enigmatic Christiane () and subsequently becomes fixated on her as his artistic muse. Filmed in 1988 on a modest budget by Smoking Gun Productions and the Cinema Corporation of America, the film blends elements of romance, comedy, and thriller as Dustin navigates obsession, quirky friendships, and creative blockages in pursuit of inspiration. The supporting cast includes as Dustin's friend Buzz, as the gallery owner Clayton, and an uncredited cameo by as Phil the Plumber, adding to the film's ensemble of eccentric personalities. With a runtime of 93 minutes and an R rating for its themes of sexuality and adult content, Cool Blue was a release on and later became available on DVD, marking an early showcase for Harrelson's transition from supporting roles to more complex characters. Produced by Zan Eisley and others including co-producer Patricia Foulkrod, the movie reflects the indie cinema spirit of late-1980s Los Angeles, emphasizing personal relationships and artistic ambition over high-stakes drama.

Synopsis

Plot

Dustin Pennett, a struggling artist in grappling with creative block, encounters Christiane at an on the day after his 27th . Their meeting sparks a spontaneous romantic encounter that night, during which Christiane reveals she ran away from home years earlier; however, she abruptly departs the next morning, leaving Dustin fixated on the memory. Inspired by this fleeting connection, Dustin channels his obsession into a series of paintings depicting Christiane as his idealized muse, which unexpectedly propels him to his first gallery and attracts media attention, marking his breakthrough in the . With the help of his friend Buzz, Dustin embarks on a search across to find Christiane, encountering eccentric characters such as Phil the plumber along the way. The narrative employs non-linear elements, interweaving flashbacks to their initial night together to heighten the emotional stakes, culminating in a comedic-dramatic climax. Christiane eventually reappears, confronting Dustin about her discomfort with being idealized and objectified in his artwork, while external pressures mount, including tensions with her jealous husband, Clayton. These conflicts strain Dustin's newfound success and force him to reckon with his fixation. The story resolves with Dustin and Christiane embracing at the County Museum of Art, signifying a tentative amid the ongoing uncertainties of their relationship.

Themes

Cool Blue centers on the theme of artistic inspiration drawn from transient romance and memory. The film explores obsession and the quest for genuine connection in urban alienation, set against the backdrop of 1980s Los Angeles. It blends romantic comedy with dramatic elements, focusing on personal growth through vulnerability and the impact of fame on relationships.

Cast

Lead actors

Woody Harrelson stars as Dustin, the film's central character and an aspiring painter navigating romance and artistic frustration in Los Angeles. This role represented Harrelson's first leading performance in a feature film, following a minor appearance in Wildcats (1986) and amid his rising fame as Woody Boyd on the NBC sitcom Cheers (1985–1993), where he earned an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1989. Harrelson's portrayal highlights his emerging screen presence, blending earnest vulnerability with comedic timing in the story's romantic and buddy dynamics. Ely Pouget plays Christiane, the alluring and elusive woman who sparks Dustin's obsession and quest across the city. Marking Pouget's debut in a principal feature film role—preceding parts in The Rift (1990) and later projects like Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace (1996)—her performance conveys a sense of mystery and quiet emotional intensity, drawing on subtle expressions to embody the character's enigmatic allure. Hank Azaria portrays Buzz, Dustin's loyal yet sardonic best friend and fellow artist, who provides steadfast support amid the chaos. This marked Azaria's film debut, coming just before his iconic voice work on The Simpsons (starting 1989) and early live-action roles in films like Pretty Woman (1990); his energetic, improvisational style infuses the character with comic relief and heartfelt camaraderie in their shared scenes.

Supporting actors

John Diehl plays Clayton, the gallery owner and Christiane's husband, who serves as a mentor figure to Dustin and embodies the established in . The ensemble is rounded out by performers such as as Peter Sin, as Leslie, Paul Lussier as Paul, Phillip Brock as Bruce, as Ida, Karen Haber as Rebecca, and Jonathan Chapin as Les, who appear in roles depicting friends, acquaintances, and other figures in the city's subculture. Sean Penn appears in an uncredited cameo as Phil the Plumber, a quirky, philosophical encountered during the protagonists' search, adding a layer of eccentric tension through his authoritative yet offbeat demeanor, including an Irish accent. At the time, Penn was an established dramatic actor fresh from acclaimed roles in Colors (1988) and State of Grace (1990), and his disguised appearance lent unexpected star power to the brief role. Local talents provide uncredited appearances in the street scenes, enhancing the film's authentic portrayal of urban Los Angeles life. These supporting roles briefly intersect with the leads in pivotal moments, enriching the narrative without dominating it.

Production

Development

Cool Blue originated as an original screenplay co-written by Mark Mullin and , with Mullin serving as the primary creative force behind the project. The script drew inspiration from the vibrant yet chaotic art scene of the late 1980s, reflecting the struggles of aspiring artists in the city, though specific personal anecdotes from Mullin remain sparsely documented in available records. The directorial team formed around Mullin as lead director and Shepard as co-director, marking Shepard's feature film debut at age 23 and emphasizing a hands-on, collaborative indie typical of low-budget productions during that era. Producer Patricia Foulkrod became involved through her company Smoking Gun Productions, which partnered with Cinema Corporation of America to secure the modest —estimated at a few hundred thousand dollars—from a video distribution company, enabling the project's advancement despite its limited scope. Pre-production occurred in early to mid-1988, amid tight budget constraints that complicated efforts to lock in locations for the film's urban settings. These logistical hurdles prompted revisions to , amplifying its comedic tones to better suit the indie constraints and enhance market appeal for release. Filming commenced on 22 July 1988, underscoring the rapid timeline from conception to production in the competitive landscape of independent cinema.

Casting

Casting for Cool Blue involved targeted efforts in Los Angeles to identify emerging talents suitable for the film's indie tone. , fresh from his breakout role on the television series , was attached to the project as the lead Dustin, negotiating the part to bolster his burgeoning film career following his debut in Wildcats (1986). This choice leveraged Harrelson's rising visibility from television to anchor the production with a recognizable yet untested screen presence. Ely Pouget and were selected for their respective roles as Christiane and Buzz through chemistry reads that emphasized natural interplay among the . Penn's brief cameo as Phil the Plumber was secured via industry connections, overcoming scheduling hurdles to add a touch of star power. The process prioritized naturalistic performances to capture the film's laid-back indie vibe, incorporating callbacks focused on tests to ensure actors could contribute organically to scenes. Due to the film's modest budget, the production faced challenges in attracting established stars, resulting in a cast dominated by relative unknowns at the time, which aligned with the project's intimate scale but limited initial promotional leverage. This approach highlighted up-and-coming performers whose selections ultimately shaped the movie's raw, unpolished energy and supported milestones for several involved.

Filming

Principal photography for Cool Blue took place entirely in during mid-1988, with the low-budget independent production completing its efficient shoot over a short period to capitalize on practical locations for an authentic urban feel. The choice of on-location filming throughout the city helped capture the gritty, vibrant essence of without relying on constructed sets. Key filming sites included Venice Beach in the Venice neighborhood, where scenes of protagonist Dustin leaning against a graffiti-covered wall and pursuing Christiane were captured near the oil fields and pavilion. Industrial backdrops were provided by the Los Angeles Soap Company on the 500 block of Banning Street in Downtown Los Angeles, featuring sequences such as Dustin and Buzz walking through the area and exiting a limo—though much of the site was demolished in late 1987. The finale, involving Dustin meeting Christiane, was shot at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) on in . Additional locations encompassed the for bridge-crossing moments between the leads and the Park La Brea Apartments in the Miracle Mile for street scenes involving Dustin's vehicle. Cinematographer David Sperling handled the visuals, contributing to the film's intimate portrayal of city life through location-based . Specific production dates included July 22, 1988, for certain exterior sequences. The budget constraints, funded by a video company at a few hundred thousand dollars, influenced the streamlined approach, prioritizing real-world environments over elaborate setups.

Release

Distribution

Cool Blue premiered in in 1989 with a VHS release, serving as an initial before shifting emphasis to the audience. In the , the film debuted on February 27, 1990, exclusively on and , avoiding a traditional wide theatrical release owing to its independent origins. Epic Productions handled the North American rights, acquired in late 1989, resulting in limited video-on-demand access rather than tracking. International distribution followed in 1991 with VHS releases in through RCA-Columbia/ Distribution and in the through Entertainment in Video. No conventional data exists for the film, as its rollout was confined to video-on-demand platforms, and international performance metrics remain sparsely documented.

Home media

The film Cool Blue was first made available on home video in Greece via VHS in September 1989, distributed by MTC Video in a standard full-screen edition without special features. In the United States, the VHS release followed on February 27, 1990, handled by RCA/Columbia Pictures Home Video, also in full-screen format with no extras. Subsequent VHS editions appeared in Australia on January 1, 1991, through RCA/Columbia/Hoyts Distribution, and in the United Kingdom on June 19, 1991, by Entertainment in Video, both maintaining the basic full-screen presentation typical of the era. A version was released in the United States on March 7, 1990, by RCA/Columbia Pictures Home Video, offering analog audio in format. These discs have become rare collector's items, often listed on secondary markets due to the format's . The DVD edition arrived much later, on March 13, 2012, from as part of their Archives series on DVD-R, presented in a 1.33:1 full-screen aspect ratio with English audio but no listed special features beyond the main feature. As of 2025, no Blu-ray release has been issued. Digital streaming options for Cool Blue remain limited but accessible on select platforms, including free ad-supported services like Tubi and subscription-based ones such as Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, MGM+, and Philo, reflecting ongoing rights management by MGM.

Reception

Critical response

Due to its direct-to-video release in 1990, Cool Blue garnered limited professional critical attention, reflecting its status as a low-budget independent production with minimal promotional push. No reviews from major trade publications or newspapers, such as Variety, appear in accessible online archives, underscoring the film's obscurity beyond niche video rental circles. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film lacks sufficient critic reviews to generate a Tomatometer score, with the platform noting zero professional critiques available. This sparse coverage highlights how direct-to-video fare from the era often evaded mainstream critical scrutiny, despite featuring emerging talents like Woody Harrelson and director Richard Shepard in his feature debut.

Audience reception

Cool Blue received no theatrical release and was distributed directly to video in 1990, limiting its initial visibility but allowing it to reach audiences through home rentals during the peak of the era. The film's early video availability capitalized on Woody Harrelson's emerging popularity from his role on the television series , though specific rental or sales figures remain unavailable in public records. On user review platforms, Cool Blue holds a 4.5 out of 10 rating on based on over 500 user votes, reflecting a mixed but appreciative response from viewers who encountered it via . Many describe it as an "odd little movie" with an offbeat charm, praising its light-hearted dramatic tone rather than expecting the comedy suggested by its promotional art. Reviewers frequently highlight the chemistry between Harrelson and , noting their shared emotional scenes as a standout element in this early collaboration. Retrospectively, the film has garnered attention from fans of 1980s independent cinema for showcasing pre-fame performances by Harrelson and Azaria, with users on platforms like commending Harrelson's earnest effort and Azaria's appealing debut presence. It lacks a major awards history or widespread cult status but maintains a niche appreciation among viewers interested in early career milestones. The movie's cultural legacy is modest, serving as a pivotal early credit that contributed to the career trajectories of its leads and director ; for instance, it marked Harrelson's second role and Azaria's screen debut, both actors achieving prominence shortly thereafter. Shepard has reflected on it as a formative project in his early directing work.
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