Personal Recommendation Hall of Fame VI

Blow Out:

I don't have much of a history with DePalma at this point. I have seen a few of his movies, but none of them have left a big impression with me one way or the other. That may seem kind of surprising considering one of the movies I have watched is Scarface. That movie really seems to divide people. I just found it to be a decent crime flick, elevated a bit by Pacino. Probably knocked down a notch or two in mind because it feels a little try hard in its bigger moments. Certainly a mixed bag.

Anyhow, not here to talk about Scarface. I had heard that Hitch influenced DePalma greatly and Blow Out brings that diagnosis firmly into the light. As Hitch moved into the 70's late in his life, and directed things like Frenzy, you could tell that he had a smutty side that had been just waiting to come out. DePalma takes that baton and runs with it, although Blow Out always feels just trashy enough. I like that about it. It's a seedy movie and isn't afraid to lean into that. Exhibit one is the opening, which I found to be an absolutely brilliant entrance into this world, even if I would never actually want to sit down and watch that movie.

DePalma is an expert with the camera. When he decides for it to be very active, when he goes for close-ups, when he keeps us at a distance. This is really an art and, often, what separates the great directors form the decent ones in my opinion. I love everything about the way this movies looks. The studio where Travolta works is perfect. Another brilliant decision is the length of time DePalma chooses to spend with the processes Travolta is using for editing his sounds and visuals. A lesser film would certainly spend less time with this since it doesn't propel the plot quickly enough. These are some of the cooler moments in the film for me.

Two things keep this from being a perfect film for me. I would have cast someone other than Allen. It may be mean to say, but I just flat out didn't find her very good or compelling. Especially when most of her scenes are matched up with Travolta, who I always find compelling even when he chooses bad roles. She also has a couple great scenes with Dennis Franz, who frankly, just out acts her big time.

My other issues is a subplot involving Lithgow that I won't spoil, because anyone who has seen the movie knows exactly what I'm talking about. It just felt totally unnecessary. Lithgow is great though, and super creepy.

Even though I could tell where the final scene was going to end up. I still enjoyed that immensely. Everything tied in very nicely, and it felt very appropriate for Travolta's character. Glad I finally got to see Blow Out. Probably going to be hard to beat for my top spot.

I have no clue who nominated it. I would guess Cricket because it seems like his kind of movie, but I can also see him not thinking it' not quite right for me. I will guess Siddon.

Blow Out
I will guess Siddon.

Blow Out:

I don't have much of a history with DePalma at this point. I have seen a few of his movies, but none of them have left a big impression with me one way or the other. That may seem kind of surprising considering one of the movies I have watched is Scarface. That movie really seems to divide people. I just found it to be a decent crime flick, elevated a bit by Pacino. Probably knocked down a notch or two in mind because it feels a little try hard in its bigger moments. Certainly a mixed bag.

Anyhow, not here to talk about Scarface. I had heard that Hitch influenced DePalma greatly and Blow Out brings that diagnosis firmly into the light. As Hitch moved into the 70's late in his life, and directed things like Frenzy, you could tell that he had a smutty side that had been just waiting to come out. DePalma takes that baton and runs with it, although Blow Out always feels just trashy enough. I like that about it. It's a seedy movie and isn't afraid to lean into that. Exhibit one is the opening, which I found to be an absolutely brilliant entrance into this world, even if I would never actually want to sit down and watch that movie.

DePalma is an expert with the camera. When he decides for it to be very active, when he goes for close-ups, when he keeps us at a distance. This is really an art and, often, what separates the great directors form the decent ones in my opinion. I love everything about the way this movies looks. The studio where Travolta works is perfect. Another brilliant decision is the length of time DePalma chooses to spend with the processes Travolta is using for editing his sounds and visuals. A lesser film would certainly spend less time with this since it doesn't propel the plot quickly enough. These are some of the cooler moments in the film for me.

Two things keep this from being a perfect film for me. I would have cast someone other than Allen. It may be mean to say, but I just flat out didn't find her very good or compelling. Especially when most of her scenes are matched up with Travolta, who I always find compelling even when he chooses bad roles. She also has a couple great scenes with Dennis Franz, who frankly, just out acts her big time.

My other issues is a subplot involving Lithgow that I won't spoil, because anyone who has seen the movie knows exactly what I'm talking about. It just felt totally unnecessary. Lithgow is great though, and super creepy.

Even though I could tell where the final scene was going to end up. I still enjoyed that immensely. Everything tied in very nicely, and it felt very appropriate for Travolta's character. Glad I finally got to see Blow Out. Probably going to be hard to beat for my top spot.

I have no clue who nominated it. I would guess Cricket because it seems like his kind of movie, but I can also see him not thinking it' not quite right for me. I will guess Siddon.

It was probably that bearded Canadian guy who nominated it. I think his name is Steve. I heard he has Blow Out on Criterion blu ray and thinks it is a great film. 😉

So does that mean you picked Body Heat for me? It's OK you can tell

Nope! I picked Showgirls for you (even though it is not on any of the lists).

Seriously I'd like to see Showgirls again. I seen that at the theater when it came out and liked it...I keep hoping someone will nom it in an HoF.

Always guess the Canuck

I thought Showgirls was terrible. Maybe I will nominate it for a future hall of infamy.

Oh, that was a typo in my reply to you about Blow Out. I was trying to say: Nancy Allen was not the greatest, but I left out not...good grief, I need to proof read.

BTW you said you seen most of Mike Leigh's filmography. Did you see Happy Go Lucky? I thought that looked interesting and I also like Sally Hawkins so I tried to watch it twice and shut it off after 15 minutes both times as I wasn't believing the dialogue between the girl friends (it seemed so contrived). I'm just wondering if the film gets better?

I really enjoyed it. I think Sally Hawkins is fantastic. I don’t think it would get better for you though. The movie is definitely coming from her point of view, so everything is pretty heightened. It’s been a while but my guess is that’s what was bothering you.

Blow Out:

I don't have much of a history with DePalma at this point. I have seen a few of his movies, but none of them have left a big impression with me one way or the other. That may seem kind of surprising considering one of the movies I have watched is Scarface. That movie really seems to divide people. I just found it to be a decent crime flick, elevated a bit by Pacino. Probably knocked down a notch or two in mind because it feels a little try hard in its bigger moments. Certainly a mixed bag.

Anyhow, not here to talk about Scarface. I had heard that Hitch influenced DePalma greatly and Blow Out brings that diagnosis firmly into the light. As Hitch moved into the 70's late in his life, and directed things like Frenzy, you could tell that he had a smutty side that had been just waiting to come out. DePalma takes that baton and runs with it, although Blow Out always feels just trashy enough. I like that about it. It's a seedy movie and isn't afraid to lean into that. Exhibit one is the opening, which I found to be an absolutely brilliant entrance into this world, even if I would never actually want to sit down and watch that movie.

DePalma is an expert with the camera. When he decides for it to be very active, when he goes for close-ups, when he keeps us at a distance. This is really an art and, often, what separates the great directors form the decent ones in my opinion. I love everything about the way this movies looks. The studio where Travolta works is perfect. Another brilliant decision is the length of time DePalma chooses to spend with the processes Travolta is using for editing his sounds and visuals. A lesser film would certainly spend less time with this since it doesn't propel the plot quickly enough. These are some of the cooler moments in the film for me.

Two things keep this from being a perfect film for me. I would have cast someone other than Allen. It may be mean to say, but I just flat out didn't find her very good or compelling. Especially when most of her scenes are matched up with Travolta, who I always find compelling even when he chooses bad roles. She also has a couple great scenes with Dennis Franz, who frankly, just out acts her big time.

My other issues is a subplot involving Lithgow that I won't spoil, because anyone who has seen the movie knows exactly what I'm talking about. It just felt totally unnecessary. Lithgow is great though, and super creepy.

Even though I could tell where the final scene was going to end up. I still enjoyed that immensely. Everything tied in very nicely, and it felt very appropriate for Travolta's character. Glad I finally got to see Blow Out. Probably going to be hard to beat for my top spot.

I have no clue who nominated it. I would guess Cricket because it seems like his kind of movie, but I can also see him not thinking it' not quite right for me. I will guess Siddon.