Blow Out
Directed by:
Brian De PalmaScreenplay:
Brian De PalmaCinematography:
Vilmos ZsigmondComposer:
Pino DonaggioCast:
John Travolta, Nancy Allen, John Lithgow, Dennis Franz, John McMartin, Roger Wilson, Robin Sherwood, J. Patrick McNamara, Roberto Lombardi, Maurice Copeland (more)VOD (2)
Plots(1)
In the enthralling Blow Out, brilliantly crafted by Brian De Palma, John Travolta gives one of his greatest performances, as a film sound-effects man who believes he has accidentally recorded a political assassination. To uncover the truth, he enlists the help of a possible eyewitness to the crime (Nancy Allen), who may be in danger herself. With its jolting stylistic flourishes, intricate plot, profoundly felt characterizations, and gritty evocation of early-1980s Philadelphia, Blow Out is an American paranoia thriller unlike any other, as well as a devilish reflection on moviemaking. (Criterion)
(more)Reviews (3)
An (audio) pulp version of Blow Up that starts as a typical seventies conspiracy film and ends as a typical eighties chilling thriller with an uncompromising conclusion. But it is the symbiosis of the trio De Palma/Zsigmond/Donaggio that puts the crown on it.
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Blow Out is a top-notch detective thriller centered around a sound engineer working for a small film company, with John Travolta in the lead, delivering a stellar performance right after Grease. What I love most about this film is not only the perfect 80s vibe but also the deep love for cinema that shines through the plot. The scenes where Travolta’s character is messing around with sound could’ve gone on forever, and I’d still be hooked. It's a solid piece of work, with just the right amount of moodiness that I always appreciate in American films from that era.
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Blow Out is an incredible acting recital by John Travolta who perfectly mastered the role of a sound engineer, Jack Terry. Sound plays a huge role in this movie and De Palma is well aware of it and lets us hear things which can’t usually be heard in an ordinary movie. And what is more, he does some incredible things with the camera (the lead-in scene of the film or the 720° circular dolly shot). The movie also has a very strong conspiracy atmosphere and the ending is completely superb. And they even managed to get the scream that they were searching for so long.
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