#562: DE PALMA, Brian: Blow Out (1981)

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DE PALMA, Brian (United States)
Blow Out [1981]
Spine #562
Blu-ray


In the enthralling Blow Out, brilliantly crafted by Brian De Palma, John Travolta gives one of his greatest performances, as a movie sound-effects man who believes he has accidentally recorded a political assassination. He enlists the help of a possible eyewitness to the crime (Carrie's Nancy Allen), who may be in danger herself, to uncover the truth. 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.

108 minutes
Color
2.0 Surround
2:40:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2011
Director/Writer


Brian De Palma was 41 when he wrote and directed Blow Out.

Other De Palma films in the Collection:

#89: Sisters (1973)
#770: Dressed To Kill (1980)

The Film

Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

The Booklet

Thirty-six page booklet featuring an essay by critic Michael Sragow and Pauline Kael’s original New Yorker review.

Commentary

None.
Video interview 1

Hour-long interview with De Palma conducted by filmmaker Noah Baumbach.

Video interview 2

With star Allen.

Murder à la Mod

De Palma’s 1967 feature.
Video interview 3

With cameraman Garrett Brown on the Steadicam shots featured in the film within the film.
On-set photos

By photographer Louis Goldman.
Original theatrical trailer

Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

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