A Philadelphia sound technician (John Travolta) for
third-rate schlock films is out one evening recording effects and captures on
tape what he believes to be a political assassination, thereafter becoming
involved with a would be victim and delving deeper and deeper into the
cover-up. Using Antonioni’s Blow-Up as a springboard, Brian De Palma keeps
plagiarism and sleaze to a minimum in Blow Out and crafts a meticulous and
enthralling thriller in what is effectively his masterpiece. Excellent early
Travolta performance.
**** out of ****
