Blow Out (1981)

Set in Philadelphia, a sound technician (John Travolta) who works on low budget horror movies is out late at night in a secluded area recording sounds when he witnesses a freak car accident. Unable to save her male companion, the sound technician rescues the girl (Nancy Allen). But soon after, the sound technician suspects this wasn't an accident but an intentional murder. Written and directed by Brian De Palma (CARRIE) in peak form. Critics have pointed out the obvious influence of movies like THE CONVERSATION (the tapes), BLOW UP (piecing together a murder through photos) but I'm surprised no one has pointed out (to my knowledge) how the film is indebted to Minnelli's SOME CAME RUNNING. Nancy Allen's not too bright chippie is a movie cousin to Shirley MacLaine's Ginny from SAME CAME RUNNING and the film's intense Liberty Day celebration downbeat finale echoes the carnival finale in Minnelli's film. Although critically lauded at the time of its release, it did only mild box office business. Today, its reputation is considerably enhanced. Stylish to the nth degree thanks to De Palma's collaborators, cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond and composer Pino Donaggio. With John Lithgow, Dennis Franz and John McMartin.