*Possible spoilers*
Like a lot of people, I suppose, I was interested in this film because Quentin Tarantino ranks it as one of his three favorite movies (along with "Rio Bravo" and "Taxi Driver"). It sure doesn't take long to see why--there's lots to love here for anyone that appreciates skilled direction and a tight story.
Stylistically, "Blow Out" is just off the charts. Brian DePalma packs the film with so many unique shots and so many thrilling, tight-as-a-drum sequences that I'm almost inclined to say it's a little too much. It was one of the only times that I've watched a film and been acutely aware that every single second is being Directed, with a capital "D." Which can be good or bad depending on what you're looking for.
The story is basic but compelling noir: a b-movie soundman (John Travolta) records the sounds of what he believes to be an assassination of a presidential candidate, and becomes a target of a clandestine cover-up operation in his attempts to get the truth out. What I like about the plot is that it HAD to be a movie. It could never have been a novel or a play. Sight and sound are too integral to the very fabric of the story for it to work in any other medium. This is what makes DePalma's lavish direction more than just so much masturbation. The plot also gets an extra brownie point for a pretty tough, shocking, anti-Hollywood ending.
There's pitfalls here, too. The romantic subplot (while not tacked on as in most films) just doesn't do it for me--mostly because Nancy Allen's character is as poorly written and acted a female lead as you will find. And yes, when you get down to it, there's much more style here than substance.
But if you have an iota of appreciation for well-orchestrated thrillers, it's tough to see why you wouldn't love this gem of a movie.
Like a lot of people, I suppose, I was interested in this film because Quentin Tarantino ranks it as one of his three favorite movies (along with "Rio Bravo" and "Taxi Driver"). It sure doesn't take long to see why--there's lots to love here for anyone that appreciates skilled direction and a tight story.
Stylistically, "Blow Out" is just off the charts. Brian DePalma packs the film with so many unique shots and so many thrilling, tight-as-a-drum sequences that I'm almost inclined to say it's a little too much. It was one of the only times that I've watched a film and been acutely aware that every single second is being Directed, with a capital "D." Which can be good or bad depending on what you're looking for.
The story is basic but compelling noir: a b-movie soundman (John Travolta) records the sounds of what he believes to be an assassination of a presidential candidate, and becomes a target of a clandestine cover-up operation in his attempts to get the truth out. What I like about the plot is that it HAD to be a movie. It could never have been a novel or a play. Sight and sound are too integral to the very fabric of the story for it to work in any other medium. This is what makes DePalma's lavish direction more than just so much masturbation. The plot also gets an extra brownie point for a pretty tough, shocking, anti-Hollywood ending.
There's pitfalls here, too. The romantic subplot (while not tacked on as in most films) just doesn't do it for me--mostly because Nancy Allen's character is as poorly written and acted a female lead as you will find. And yes, when you get down to it, there's much more style here than substance.
But if you have an iota of appreciation for well-orchestrated thrillers, it's tough to see why you wouldn't love this gem of a movie.