Blow Out (1981)
Dennis Franz, John Lithgow, John Travolta, Nancy Allen, Peter Boyden ... (see more) , Curt May
A soundman accidentally records the evidence that proves a car "accident" was murder, and consequently finds himself in danger.
Flixster Users
Critics
R, 1 hr. 48 min.
Directed by:
Brian DePalma
Release Date: Jan 01, 1981
DVD Release Date: Aug 28, 2001
Your Rating
Your Friends' Ratings
No recent reviews.
Flixster User Reviews
Whilst working on a film, a sound man accidentally records what he perceives to be a political assassination, as a car's tyre blows out, killing the driver. As with many of De Palma's films, the influence of Hitchcock here is clear, but this work als... (read more) Whilst working on a film, a sound man accidentally records what he perceives to be a political assassination, as a car's tyre blows out, killing the driver. As with many of De Palma's films, the influence of Hitchcock here is clear, but this work also draws inspiration from Coppola's 'The Conversation' (1974), and Antoinini's 'Blow Up' (1966.) The result, whilst not perfect, is one of this director's finest films. Characterisation is strong, and the motives which lie behind the character's actions are clear. Meanwhile the film's climactic scene is fantastically shot, and demonstrates well De Palma's skill as a director, in spite of the criticism which he often receives.
So very very 80's, interesting story, certainly wouldn't be 139 in my all time list, Empire readers got it wrong. Also what's with all the red, it's just annoying by the end.
One of my professors worked on this film and simply described it as 'American Trash'. Heaping praise upon this movie was the beginning of the end for legendary film critic Pauline Kael. It's obviously a remake, so one has to look for the different el... (read more) One of my professors worked on this film and simply described it as 'American Trash'. Heaping praise upon this movie was the beginning of the end for legendary film critic Pauline Kael. It's obviously a remake, so one has to look for the different elements to make a judgment. DePalma's direction is unnecessarily flashy in even the quiet moments and the performances are flat. The only things saving the movie are gorgeous cinematography and John Lithgow's manic performance.
Blow Out is an extremely interesting film- one that I found myself somewhat (unexpectedly) captivated by. Blow Out has a fantastic sense of self-awareness that's brought to a brilliant conclusion by the end of the film. Terrific thriller.
fascinating movie, even though I think it loses its cool towards the end
Un bon film encore, j'ai bien aime les moyens d'enquetes de Travolta et meme l'histoire en elle-meme. C'est bien mene et le film passe du coup assez vite ^^
Solid 2nd-Tier de Palma. There are some moments that are truly great and the ending is perfect. This film is extremely well crafted, in story and execution. The cinematography is fantastic, of course, and the acting is even better. This may be Jo... (read more) Solid 2nd-Tier de Palma. There are some moments that are truly great and the ending is perfect. This film is extremely well crafted, in story and execution. The cinematography is fantastic, of course, and the acting is even better. This may be John Travolta's best performance...
One of DePalma's best with excellent performances all around. Donaggio's beautiful yet subtle score accentuate the escalating thrills and suspense and is a perfect companion piece to the director's wonderful camera work.
There's something really great about Brian DePalmas 70's and early 80's thrillers. If you don't know what I'm talking about then please see Carrie, Sisters and this movie!
I have to admire De Palma's guts. He mixes his usual Hitchcockian references, paranoia and color-codes here to a great effect. John Lithgow makes a cold, cold murderer and a running gag turns out to be a superb end twist. The weak link here is some o... (read more) I have to admire De Palma's guts. He mixes his usual Hitchcockian references, paranoia and color-codes here to a great effect. John Lithgow makes a cold, cold murderer and a running gag turns out to be a superb end twist. The weak link here is some of the acting, particularly Nancy Allen, who reaches Troll 2-level depths.
Pretty good. DePalma clearly loves making movies and nearly every shot is wonderful to look at. The story, while not original, is very compelling and there are some absolutely fantastic suspense sequences. Travolta does well, but Nancy Allen is an... (read more) Pretty good. DePalma clearly loves making movies and nearly every shot is wonderful to look at. The story, while not original, is very compelling and there are some absolutely fantastic suspense sequences. Travolta does well, but Nancy Allen is annoying.
When you decided to remake an amazing film (like The Conversation), you run a huge risk ... But the risk was taken I for one was not disappointed. An excellent adventure.
Critic Reviews
A movie which continues [De Palma] practice of making cross-references to other movies, other directors, and actual historical events, and which nevertheless is his best and most original work.full review
Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
All Rotten Tomatoes content is used under license from Rotten Tomatoes. Rotten Tomatoes, Certified Fresh, and the Tomatometer are the trademarks of Incfusion Corporation, d/b/a Rotten Tomatoes, a subsidiary of IGN Entertainment, Inc.
More Like This
No recent suggestions.
Bookmark This App
Make it easy to check out new movies! Click +Bookmark Movies at the bottom of your screen.
- Get Flixster
- iPhone (free!)
- Myspace
- Flixster.com
- iGoogle
- Settings
- Profile Settings
- My Account
- Help
- Privacy Policy