Blow Out (Original title)Personal Effects (Working title)Blowout (Alternative title)
Date: 1981 (Copyright)Country: USADirected by: Brian De Palma
Production company billing: ©1981. Viscount Associates A George Litto production A Brian De Palma film [end] A Cinema 77/Geria film A Filmways picture
Synopsis: Thriller. Jack Terry provides sounds and sound effects for low-budget films. One night he is recording sounds near a bridge over a river, when the tyre of a politician's car is blown out by what his recording reveals is a rifle shot. He saves a young woman, Sally, from drowning in the car, and soon finds himself involved in murder and a cover-up.
Genre: Thriller
Subjects: Political assassinations, Sound recording, Witnesses, Filmmakers, Homicide
Releases
Date: 24 July 1981Country: USARelease type: unknownFormat: not specified - Colour - Technicolor - Sound - DolbyAspect ratio: 2.35:1Runtime: 108 mins Length: 9689 FeetLanguage: English
Title: In conversation with Brian De PalmaAuthor: SMITH, Adam Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Filmmaker Brian De Palma discusses his long and at time controversial career. Includes a listing and brief critique of the five best Brian De Palma films.
In: Sight and Sound v17 n8 August 2007 Pages: 18-20,22-26,28-32
Title: 75 hidden gemsAuthor: JAMES, Nick [et al] Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: A selection of seventy-five films chosen by critics to be co nsidered, familiar, cool, but forgotten; subjective rather t han qualitative choices. Includes a sidebar on five director s who have been forgotten too.
In: Radio Times 15 Jan 2005 Page: 53
Title: Film Trivia.Author: PARKISON, David Article type: NoteLanguage: English
Description: Note on re-filming of the Liberty Day parade sequence using Laszlo Kovacs as cinematographer after the original reels disappeared in a stolen truck.
In: Post Script v21 n3 Summer 2002 Pages: 72-86
Title: Reconfiguring Gothic Mythology: The Film Noir-Horror...Author: MORGAN, Jack Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: "...Hybrid Films of the 1980s". An exploration of crime/noir films that contained a dark gothic element and the importan- ce of these hybrid films in the development of modern horror films.
In: Journal of Popular Film & Television v29 n4 Winter 2002 Pages: 156-163
Title: Citing the sound: The Conversation, Blow Out, and the...Author: BECK, Jay Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Article title ends: "...Mythological Ontology of the Sound- track in '70s Film". Analysis of Coppola's The CONVERSATION & De Palma's BLOW OUT, contrasting the recording and manipu- lation of sound practices on the formal and narrative levels
In: Literature/Film Quarterly v26 n3 1998 Pages: 166-177
Title: Sex, Lies and AudiotapeAuthor: LIBRACH, Ronald Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: A discussion of politics and heuristics in DRESSED TO KILL and BLOW OUT, focussing on sexual politics
In: Time Out n1033 6 Jun 1990 Page: 54
Title: [Time Out - n1033 6 Jun 1990: no known title]Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Brief review
In: Movie n33 Winter 1989 Pages: 56-62
Title: [Movie - n33 Winter 1989: no known title]Language: English
Description: Article considering themes common to this film, BODY DOUBLE and SCARFACE.
In: TV Times v133 n49 3 Dec 1988 Pages: 118-119
Title: [TV Times - v133 n49 3 Dec 1988: no known title]Article type: InterviewLanguage: English
Description: Interview with Roy Dotrice.
In: Hablemos de Cine n77 March 1984 Pages: 82-83
Title: [Hablemos de Cine - n77 March 1984: no known title]Language: Spanish
In: Jump Cut n29 February 1984 Pages: 65-66
Title: [Jump Cut - n29 February 1984: no known title]Language: English
Description: Critical dialogue.
In: Post Script v2 n1 Autumn 1982 Pages: Autumn 30-39
Title: [Post Script - v2 n1 Autumn 1982: no known title]Language: English
Description: Analysis.
In: Cahiers du Cinéma n333 March 1982 Pages: 54-56
Title: [Cahiers du Cinéma - n333 March 1982: no known title]Language: French
In: Jump Cut n27 July 1982 Pages: 6-7
Title: [Jump Cut - n27 July 1982: no known title]Language: English
In: Positif n253 April 1982 Pages: 66-67
Title: [Positif - n253 April 1982: no known title]Language: French
In: Films v2 n5 April 1982 Page: 36
Title: [Films - v2 n5 April 1982: no known title]Language: English
In: Cinema Papers n36 February 1982 Pages: 22-25
Title: [Cinema Papers - n36 February 1982: no known title]Language: English
In: Screen International n302 25 Jul 1981 Page: 10
Title: [Screen International - n302 25 Jul 1981: no known title]Language: English
Description: Marketing.
In: Monthly Film Bulletin v48 n574 November 1981 Pages: 216-217
Title: [Monthly Film Bulletin - v48 n574 November 1981: no known title]Language: English
In: Screen International n313 10 Oct 1981 Page: 62
Title: [Screen International - n313 10 Oct 1981: no known title]Language: English
In: Ciné-Revue v61 n18 30 Apr 1981 Pages: 28-29
Title: [Ciné-Revue - v61 n18 30 Apr 1981: no known title]Language: French
Description: Stills & synopsis.
In: Screen International n296 13 Jun 1981 Page: 24
Title: [Screen International - n296 13 Jun 1981: no known title]Language: English
Description: Note on theft of footage from the film.
In: Films and Filming n326 November 1981 Pages: 30-31
Title: [Films and Filming - n326 November 1981: no known title]Language: English
In: Films Illustrated v11 n122 November 1981 Pages: 60-63
Title: [Films Illustrated - v11 n122 November 1981: no known title]Language: English
Description: Report and notes on Travolta.
In: Films and Filming n327 December 1981 Pages: 8-12
Title: [Films and Filming - n327 December 1981: no known title]Article type: InterviewLanguage: English
Description: Interview with De Palma and Travolta.
In: Variety 29 Jul 1981 Page: 20
Title: [Variety - 29 Jul 1981: no known title]Language: English
In: Motion Picture Product Digest v9 n5 5 Aug 1981 Page: 17
Title: [Motion Picture Product Digest - v9 n5 5 Aug 1981: no known title]Language: English
In: StarBurst n40 1981 Pages: 10-11
Title: [StarBurst - n40 1981: no known title]Language: English
In: The Listener v106 n2733 29 Oct 1981 Page: 520
Title: [The Listener - v106 n2733 29 Oct 1981: no known title]Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Review by Gavin Millar.
In: Page: 13
Title: [ - : no known title]
Author: KEESEY, Douglas Pages: 348 pages
Title: Becoming visionary: Brian De Palma's cinematic education of the senses
Author: Peretz, Eyal Pages: xvii, 224 pages
Film, Video or Digital materials held in BFI National Archive(3)
Accessible materials to view(1)
Description: VHS cassetteBFI identifier: C-936224
Status: Viewing - Videotape can be requested for access
Video materials(1)
Description: VHS cassetteBFI identifier: C-936224
Status: Viewing - Videotape can be requested for access
Film materials(2)
Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 9667 FeetBFI identifier: C-9435
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status (servicing required)
Description: 35mm PositiveBFI identifier: C-9436
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status
Date: 1981 (Copyright)Country: USADirected by: Brian De Palma
Production company billing: ©1981. Viscount Associates A George Litto production A Brian De Palma film [end] A Cinema 77/Geria film A Filmways picture
Synopsis: Thriller. Jack Terry provides sounds and sound effects for low-budget films. One night he is recording sounds near a bridge over a river, when the tyre of a politician's car is blown out by what his recording reveals is a rifle shot. He saves a young woman, Sally, from drowning in the car, and soon finds himself involved in murder and a cover-up.
Genre: Thriller
Subjects: Political assassinations, Sound recording, Witnesses, Filmmakers, Homicide
Releases
Date: 24 July 1981Country: USARelease type: unknownFormat: not specified - Colour - Technicolor - Sound - DolbyAspect ratio: 2.35:1Runtime: 108 mins Length: 9689 FeetLanguage: English
Credits
(98)
©: Viscount Associates, A Cinema 77/Geria film: Cinema 77, Geria, A Filmways picture: Filmways, Executive Producer: Fred Caruso, Produced by: George Litto, Studio Manager: George Hill, Production Manager: Fred Caruso, Production Office Co-ordinator: Shari Leibowitz, Auditor: Victor T. Salant, Assistant Auditor: Carin Grönhagen, Location Manager: Ted Kurdyla, Location Co-ordinator: Robert Rothbard, Production Consultant: Bob Lemond, Production Consultant: Lois Zetter, Special Production Assistant: Clayton Townsend, Assistant to Miss Allen: Debbie Brenner, Assistant to Mr De Palma: Gary Hill, Assistant to Mr Litto: Gail Kearns, Linda Lee, Assistant to Mr Travolta: Joan Edwards, Production Secretary: Susan Bartholomew, 2nd Unit Director: John Fox, Assistant Director (1st): Joe Napolitano, Assistant Director (2nd): Lewis Gould, Script Supervisor: Hannah Scheel, Casting by: Lynn Stalmaster & Associates, Bits and Extras: Inc. Joy Todd, Joanna Oberman, Casting Associate: Lisa Freiberger, Written by: Brian De Palma, Director of Photography: Vilmos Zsigmond, [Additional Photography]: László Kovács, [Underwater Camera]: Rexford Metz, Camera Operator: Jan Kiesser, Assistant Cameraman: Michael Gershman, 2nd Assistant Cameraman: Michael Green, Ken Nishino, Gaffer: Richard Martens, Rig Electrician: Larry Whitehead, [Gaffer's] Best Boy: John Kirk, Key Grip: Richard Deats, Grip Best Boy: Jim Dyer, Dolly Grip: Gary Parker, Still Photographer: Louis Goldman, Blue Screen Composites: Van Der Veer Photo Company, Process Co-ordination: Bill Hansard, Don Hansard, Special Effects Foreman: Calvin Acord, Edited by: Paul Hirsch, Assistant Editor: Gina Roose, Apprentice Editor: Mark Rathaus, Lisa J. Levine, Production Designer: Paul Sylbert, Set Designer: Jeannine Oppewall, Set Decorator: Bruce Weintraub, Scenic Chargeman: Tom Bartholomew, Christopher Sylbert, Property Master: Erik Nelson, Prop Man: Mark Hollingsworth, Lead Man: Dan May, Drapery Man: Irwin Epstein, Construction Co-ordinator: Joe Acord, Construction Foreman: Jim Mcgee, Set Painter: Moe Larson, Costumes Designed by: Vicki Sanchez, Nancy Allen's Costumes Designed by: Ann Roth, Key Costumer: Sandra Berke, Costumer: Laurie Riley, Wardrobe Assistant: Claudia Everett, Elizabeth Wasielewsky, Make-up Artist: Leo Lotito, Make-up Artist for Nancy Allen: Joseph Cranzano, Hair Stylist for Nancy Allen: Lyn Quiyou, Hair Styles: Vivian Mcateer, Main Title/End Credits Des/Produced by: R/Greenberg Associates, Opticals: The Optical House, Music by: Pino Donaggio, [Music] Conducted by: Natale Massara, Music Co-ordinator: Jacquie Litto, Music Editor: Robert Q. Lovett, Music Recording Engineer: Tom Jung, Sound Mixer: James Tanenbaum, Boom Operator: Rimas Tumasonis, Re-recording Supervisor: Dick Vorisek, Trans/Audio, Supervising Sound Editor: Dan Sable, Sound Editor: Michel Moyse, Looping Editor: Lowell Mate, Negative Cutter: Donah Bassett, Sound Effects: Hastings Sound Editorial, Stunt Co-ordinator: Carey Loftin, John Travolta's Stunt Double: Rick Avery, Technical Consultant: John Fox, Transportation Co-ordinator: Mickey Mcateer, Dialogue Coach: Ramona Lenny, Unit Publicist: Tom Miller
Cast
(51)
John Travolta (Jack Terry), Nancy Allen (Sally Badina), John Lithgow (Burke), Dennis Franz (Manny Karp), John Aquino (Detective Mackey), Peter Boyden (Sam), Curt May (Frank Donahue), John McMartin (Lawrence Henry), Deborah Everton (hooker), J. Patrick McNamara (detective at hospital), Amanda Cleveland, Roger Wilson (co-ed lover), Lori-Nan Engler (Sue), Cindy Manion, Missy O'Shea (dancing co-ed), Marcy Bigelman (ecstatic co-ed), Ann Kelly (studious co-ed), Dean Bennett (campus guard), John Coppolino Jr (maniac), Archie Lang (mixer), Dave Roberts (anchorman), Claire Carter (anchorwoman), Maurice Copeland (Jack Manners), John Hoffmeister (Governor George McRyan), David De Felice (boy lover), Barbara Sigel (girl lover), Tom Mccarthy, Reginald M. Wallace (policeman at hospital), Robert L. Penrose (hospital administrator), Larry Woody (doctor), Dick Mcgarvin (TV newscaster), Michael Borghese (newsdealer), Rossana Fichera (receptionist), James Jeter (film lab man), Luddy Tramontana (Freddie Corso), Sid Doherty (cop in car), Milt Fields (mobster), Bud Seese (Kennedy, corrupt captain), Maureen Sullivan (Mary Robert, 1st murder victim), Brian Corrigan (cop at Karp's office), Elaine Filoon, Robin Sherwood (screamer), Tim Choate (sailor), B.J. Cyrus, Dave De Angelis, Thomas Finn, Tony Devon (sailor's friend), Henry Cohen, Bernie Rachelle (ambulance attendant), William Tarman (security guard), Michael Tearson (hawker)
Articles held in BFI Reuben Library
(30)
In: Empire n226 April 2008 Pages: 119-124Title: In conversation with Brian De PalmaAuthor: SMITH, Adam Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Filmmaker Brian De Palma discusses his long and at time controversial career. Includes a listing and brief critique of the five best Brian De Palma films.
In: Sight and Sound v17 n8 August 2007 Pages: 18-20,22-26,28-32
Title: 75 hidden gemsAuthor: JAMES, Nick [et al] Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: A selection of seventy-five films chosen by critics to be co nsidered, familiar, cool, but forgotten; subjective rather t han qualitative choices. Includes a sidebar on five director s who have been forgotten too.
In: Radio Times 15 Jan 2005 Page: 53
Title: Film Trivia.Author: PARKISON, David Article type: NoteLanguage: English
Description: Note on re-filming of the Liberty Day parade sequence using Laszlo Kovacs as cinematographer after the original reels disappeared in a stolen truck.
In: Post Script v21 n3 Summer 2002 Pages: 72-86
Title: Reconfiguring Gothic Mythology: The Film Noir-Horror...Author: MORGAN, Jack Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: "...Hybrid Films of the 1980s". An exploration of crime/noir films that contained a dark gothic element and the importan- ce of these hybrid films in the development of modern horror films.
In: Journal of Popular Film & Television v29 n4 Winter 2002 Pages: 156-163
Title: Citing the sound: The Conversation, Blow Out, and the...Author: BECK, Jay Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Article title ends: "...Mythological Ontology of the Sound- track in '70s Film". Analysis of Coppola's The CONVERSATION & De Palma's BLOW OUT, contrasting the recording and manipu- lation of sound practices on the formal and narrative levels
In: Literature/Film Quarterly v26 n3 1998 Pages: 166-177
Title: Sex, Lies and AudiotapeAuthor: LIBRACH, Ronald Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: A discussion of politics and heuristics in DRESSED TO KILL and BLOW OUT, focussing on sexual politics
In: Time Out n1033 6 Jun 1990 Page: 54
Title: [Time Out - n1033 6 Jun 1990: no known title]Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Brief review
In: Movie n33 Winter 1989 Pages: 56-62
Title: [Movie - n33 Winter 1989: no known title]Language: English
Description: Article considering themes common to this film, BODY DOUBLE and SCARFACE.
In: TV Times v133 n49 3 Dec 1988 Pages: 118-119
Title: [TV Times - v133 n49 3 Dec 1988: no known title]Article type: InterviewLanguage: English
Description: Interview with Roy Dotrice.
In: Hablemos de Cine n77 March 1984 Pages: 82-83
Title: [Hablemos de Cine - n77 March 1984: no known title]Language: Spanish
In: Jump Cut n29 February 1984 Pages: 65-66
Title: [Jump Cut - n29 February 1984: no known title]Language: English
Description: Critical dialogue.
In: Post Script v2 n1 Autumn 1982 Pages: Autumn 30-39
Title: [Post Script - v2 n1 Autumn 1982: no known title]Language: English
Description: Analysis.
In: Cahiers du Cinéma n333 March 1982 Pages: 54-56
Title: [Cahiers du Cinéma - n333 March 1982: no known title]Language: French
In: Jump Cut n27 July 1982 Pages: 6-7
Title: [Jump Cut - n27 July 1982: no known title]Language: English
In: Positif n253 April 1982 Pages: 66-67
Title: [Positif - n253 April 1982: no known title]Language: French
In: Films v2 n5 April 1982 Page: 36
Title: [Films - v2 n5 April 1982: no known title]Language: English
In: Cinema Papers n36 February 1982 Pages: 22-25
Title: [Cinema Papers - n36 February 1982: no known title]Language: English
In: Screen International n302 25 Jul 1981 Page: 10
Title: [Screen International - n302 25 Jul 1981: no known title]Language: English
Description: Marketing.
In: Monthly Film Bulletin v48 n574 November 1981 Pages: 216-217
Title: [Monthly Film Bulletin - v48 n574 November 1981: no known title]Language: English
In: Screen International n313 10 Oct 1981 Page: 62
Title: [Screen International - n313 10 Oct 1981: no known title]Language: English
In: Ciné-Revue v61 n18 30 Apr 1981 Pages: 28-29
Title: [Ciné-Revue - v61 n18 30 Apr 1981: no known title]Language: French
Description: Stills & synopsis.
In: Screen International n296 13 Jun 1981 Page: 24
Title: [Screen International - n296 13 Jun 1981: no known title]Language: English
Description: Note on theft of footage from the film.
In: Films and Filming n326 November 1981 Pages: 30-31
Title: [Films and Filming - n326 November 1981: no known title]Language: English
In: Films Illustrated v11 n122 November 1981 Pages: 60-63
Title: [Films Illustrated - v11 n122 November 1981: no known title]Language: English
Description: Report and notes on Travolta.
In: Films and Filming n327 December 1981 Pages: 8-12
Title: [Films and Filming - n327 December 1981: no known title]Article type: InterviewLanguage: English
Description: Interview with De Palma and Travolta.
In: Variety 29 Jul 1981 Page: 20
Title: [Variety - 29 Jul 1981: no known title]Language: English
In: Motion Picture Product Digest v9 n5 5 Aug 1981 Page: 17
Title: [Motion Picture Product Digest - v9 n5 5 Aug 1981: no known title]Language: English
In: StarBurst n40 1981 Pages: 10-11
Title: [StarBurst - n40 1981: no known title]Language: English
In: The Listener v106 n2733 29 Oct 1981 Page: 520
Title: [The Listener - v106 n2733 29 Oct 1981: no known title]Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Review by Gavin Millar.
In: Page: 13
Title: [ - : no known title]
Books held in BFI Reuben Library
(2)
Title: Brian De Palma's split-screen: a life in filmAuthor: KEESEY, Douglas Pages: 348 pages
Title: Becoming visionary: Brian De Palma's cinematic education of the senses
Author: Peretz, Eyal Pages: xvii, 224 pages
Film, Video or Digital materials held in BFI National Archive(3)
Accessible materials to view(1)
Description: VHS cassetteBFI identifier: C-936224
Status: Viewing - Videotape can be requested for access
Video materials(1)
Description: VHS cassetteBFI identifier: C-936224
Status: Viewing - Videotape can be requested for access
Film materials(2)
Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 9667 FeetBFI identifier: C-9435
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status (servicing required)
Description: 35mm PositiveBFI identifier: C-9436
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status