Brian De Palma’s ’80s thriller Blow Out contains one of the eras great shock endings.
It shows why we need movies that challenge us…
This article contains spoilers for the 1981 film,Blow Out.
It all begins with a scream.
Nope: it simply doesnt work.
It also has what might be one of the most horrifying shock endings in 80s movies.
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Yet as the credits roll,Blow Outleaves you to ponder whats just happened.
Like so many of De Palmas films,Blow Outfreely references other movies.
Jack becomes obsessed with his mission, and watching him work becomes intoxicating by itself.
She has ambitions, dreams, regrets, and murky connections that are only gradually revealed.
Here, De Palma seems to be saying throughBlow Out,This is how you stage an effective shocker.
Its not just about the fancy camera tricks.
Weve recently been reminded of the kinds of limits filmmakers can have imposed on them from outside forces.
Whether they did or not, the answers very simple: of course he can.
The film isnt mine; its De Palmas.
Films likeBlow Outcan leave us reeling at what weve just seen.
Thats not just something we should just encourage in filmmaking, but also cherish.
This article first appeared onDen of Geek UK.
