Blow Out

Releasing over 40 years ago , Blow Out by Brian De Palma is still holds up as an incredibly unique and engaging thriller. We are introduced to Jack Terry ( John Travolta who operates as a sound technician on movies. He will capture sound effects often out in the real world to then cut and record them into films. While recording, he witnesses what seems to be accident that quickly unfolds into a darker scheme that continues to develop almost the entirety of its runtime. Having a film based on the use of sound design better be able to display some quality work in that department and I’m happy to say this film obliges not only sonically but also many detailed mechanisms of sound equipment from that time which I appreciated. This film has a rather ambitious plot web which does seem like a lot in the initial exposition but does a fine job to level itself out and finish most of the integral plot lines by the end. Using a known 80s soundtrack style ranging from jazz noir to electronic rock to add style to De Palmas many use of split diopter shots is able to make the film seem more fluid during the many subplots. I felt the two leading roles played by Travolta and John Lithgow showed a realistic depiction of two men on opposite sides of the same coin with main traits including pride , obsession even political motives play a massive influence in the events that transpire which is all to accurate throughout history. This film standouts in many aspects all of which I enjoyed thoroughly,  especially the ending.  “It’s a good scream”