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.
Nope, Blowout is a good movie but not a top movie for me...it's actually not hard to find my pick for you