The Blue Rose
Written and Directed by George Baron
Starring Olivia Scott Welch, George Baron, Ray Wise, and Danielle Bisutti
Run time 1 hour and 43 minutes
In select theaters and on demand July 12

by Rosalie Kicks, Old Sport and Editor in Chief

“This is not a Nancy Drew novel…”

The Blue Rose is a commendable feature debut that, despite its faults, proves to be a valiant effort from writer and director, George Baron.

Making movies of any length is TOUGH stuff. Even creating an Instagram reel can lead to headaches, stress, and possible destruction of property (ie your personal cellular device). If you have not attempted a reel, I dare you to give it a go… if you think ya got what it takes. Filmmaking, in particularly independent pictures, is somewhat of an ass kicking contest in which the filmmaker is the only contestant. It is grueling; it is torture; yet, many choose this path not necessarily due to sadistic reasons, but out of the love for the CINEMA. The act of hollering “quiet on the set,” “action,” and “cut” is quite thrilling and makes up for the negative. Sadly The Blue Rose falls victim to a common issue, especially with first time flicks: a writer and director that is untamed.

The story follows Detectives Lilly (Olivia Scott Welch) and Dalton (George Baron) as they try to piece together a homicide that has occurred in Hollyweird. The Blue Rose oozes in style, design, and flair but ultimately blinds itself in neon drenched hues. The overly complicated plot ends up nothing more than a colorful soup that barely reaches a simmer.

Picture it! Philadelphia, 2019… I am co-directing the slasher short, Pizzaman (watch it here) with my most favorite film pal, friend, and confidant, Katie McBrown. Our ten minute story tells the tale of an elderly couple that seek revenge on a pizza delivery shop. Maybe it is the lack of sleep fueled by coffee or the overall euphoria one is filled with from seeing their screenplay come to life… either way, it is at this time where things can go overboard. While on set, I was hit with a sudden rush of adrenaline. Suddenly, bad ideas began to take shape! I had this urge to add thirteen bats a flyin’, seven mannequins waltzing and to create an atmospheric mist via a fog machine. This was the point in which I had to be reeled in (i.e. tamed). Fortunately, I had a Katie. My pal had the wherewithal to say the word no director ever wants to hear but needs to: NO. I would have ruined the picture with my overindulgence. It is not to say Katie does not listen to my proposals or suggestions - which is why there is a werewolf in our picture - but she also knows when it is time bring it down a notch. This is why we make a great team. I say all this because I believe George needed a Katie.

It is clear by the end of The Blue Rose, George’s love of David Lynch (Famed Twink Peaks alum, Ray Wise makes a cameo appearance), Kubrick, and forties noir pictures runs deep. However, I would prefer to see one make it their own movie rather than an attempt at recreating these filmmaker’s movies. Otherwise, the result is nothing more than a cheap imitation. That is not to say there are not moments in which the production design is truly impressive, given what most likely was a meager budget. A scene that comes to mind is when the detectives find themselves in a nightclub à la the Bang Bang Bar in Twin Peaks, complete with lounge singer. The costume design is of note and praiseworthy.

I believe George Baron has the potential to make something great. Next time I hope they choose to insert more of their own voice and expression, and maybe consider a shorter running time. There truly is a sweet spot with an eighty-seven to ninety minute runtime.