Blow Out

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 ****