Review of Blow Out (1981) by James-Masaki R — 28 May 2011

Why can't De Palma make outstanding movies like "Blow Out" any more? Probably at his creative peak in 1981, "Blow Out" plays out as a horror film, but it is also a political assassination film, a double crossing film noir, and also includes a horror film within the film. With so much going on, it's amazing that De Palma holds the audience's attention so well, along with going against expectations as well. And John Lithgow's performance is cemented with a possible precursor to "Dexter" now...

Travola plays a sound man who accidentally tapes a possible assassination of a presidential candidate. After rescuing the girl that was in the car with the candidate, the press and political aides ask him to cover up the fact that he saw the girl there. After trying to piece everything together as to why it was all covered up, and what would happen if any 'loose ends' get unleashed, paranoia sets in.